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Angoori

Angoori is a beautiful isolated village in the foothills of Himalayas, about 18 miles north-east of Islamabad.

Get in
It is only 30 to 40 min drive by car from the capital Islamabad towards Murree. There is a single concrete road in fairly good condition. Local transport like buses are also available but it's better to travel by your own car. You have to park your car at the entrance of the village because only a small cemented road goes into Angoori, but the village is small enough to cover on foot.

Get around
Easily covered by foot. You can hike on the beautiful mountains. Forests are pretty safe.

See
Islamabad and Rawalpindi can be seen easily, especially at night. Here you can enjoy the beauty of the nature, with the long pine trees and lush green fields.

Eat
In Angoori you can eat natural and healthy food such as plain yogurt, lassi, home made fresh butter, vegetables and Mustard green cooked in clay pot over the wood fire. A taste you would never forget.

Drink
Drink fresh and pure cow's milk and refreshing butter milk (lassi).

Sleep
Unfortunately there is no hotel accommodation available till now.

Go next
You can easily reach Islamabad as well as Murree from here within 30 minutes. Here you can also find vivid picture of nature.

title: Angoori


text:
Angoulême

Angoulême is the capital of the Charente department. It lies about 135 km north of Bordeaux in south west France.

Get in
You can get to Angoulême by the very frequent service in 2h10 from Paris Montparnasse, south towards Bordeaux, Libourne, Chalais, Arcachon and further south. You can get Corail intercities, TER, and the very well-known TGV, renowned for its speed.

By plane
Budget airline Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Angoulême-Brie Champniers airport, about 15km northeast of the town. The airport is also known as Angoulême Cognac.

See

 * The cathedral Saint Pierre
 * The Saint Marial church
 * The Hergé Statue
 * The green garden (Jardin vert)
 * the court (Francois premier place)
 * The market " Les halles"
 * The view from the ramparts (which replaced the medieval city walls)
 * The Hôtel de Ville' (Town Hall)
 * The murs peints, walls painted with cartoons

Do

 * Circuit des remparts: an old car race - in September
 * Festival Musique Metisse: worldwide music show at the end of May
 * Festival du film Francophone: French language movie exhibition at the end of August
 * La Nef (Concert Hall)
 * La Nef (Concert Hall)

Buy
Chocolat is the city speciality (the shape of the marguerite the real Angoulême symbol)

Eat

 * Restaurant in the old Angoulême ("Vieil Angoulême") (lots of choice)
 * For see food: Le Terminus in front of the train station
 * For Meet: Le Boucher next to "Champs-de-mars",
 * Local ambiance: Le Bruleau Charentais
 * Young ambiance: Megane et Bastien
 * For sushi: Sushi H at Gallery Champ-de-Mars
 * For best quality: La Ruelle, Les artistes

Drink

 * Cognac
 * Pineau
 * Local cocktail: Cognac Schwepps

Sleep
Mercure Hotel

Go next
There are many places you can explore:
 * Bordeaux (amazing architecture, wine, views, shops and pretty much the entire lot)
 * Royan (1 hr 30 min by car) — famous seaside resort, closer sea access
 * Chalais (amazing array of shops and spectacular French markets and architecture)
 * La Rochelle (2 hr by car)
 * Saintes (1 hr by car)
 * Sarlat (2 hr by car)
 * Poitiers (view points, restaurants and markets).

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

title: Angoulême


text:
Angra dos Reis

Angra dos Reis is a town in Rio de Janeiro state of Brazil. The town is a popular getaway for Rio residents, since there are plenty of nice beaches around. If you end up here, it is quite likely that you are on your way to the popular island Ilha Grande, since Angra is the main port to the island.

Understand
Apart from the town, Angra dos Reis is comprised many islands and "two thousand beaches" filled with natural beauty, legends and social events. To know well this part of the Fluminense Green Coast, one must travel by boat, being able to see the crystalline waters, and the mansions of the rich and famous, erected on private islands.

Among all of its islands, Ilha Grande stands out. Considered the paradise of adventurers, with its trails, waterfalls and deserted beaches, it played an important role in Brazil’s historical-cultural scenario for having housed a prison for almost 60 years.

In the past, Angra dos Reis was one of the most important ports of the Fluminense coast. Ships loaded with goods docked there from the other side of the world. Slave ships also arrived there with hundreds of slaves to supply forced labor in the coffee plantations of the region.

Get in
It is located in the Fluminense Green Coast, between the States of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, on the margins of the Rio-Santos Highway (BR-101).

Eat
There are excellent restaurants that serve from fish and seafood, to international dishes.

Sleep
Looking for accommodation online in Angra can be confusing, since the beach resorts and the downtown hotels can be hard to tell apart. If you just need somewhere to sleep before going to Ilha Grande the next day, don't book an expensive resort far from the port.

The majority of accommodation options are on the Contorno road north of town. They range from luxurious hotels to small cozy inns, and attractive prices. The cheapest options are in the center.

Stay safe
Angra is a crime ridden, ugly, semi-industrial hole on the arguably marvellous coast around the Ilha Grande. It has half a dozen buildings which are kind of meriting a second glance for their historic value.

 * Angra leads the regional ranking for homicides (October 2017)
 * The mayor seeks to solicit donations from tourists to beef up security (January 2018)

On the other hand, if you are around and have problems with your yacht, this is the place where to have it repaired.

Go next
The cheapest way to get to Ilha Grande is the ferries operated by BARCAS S/A. They take 90 minutes and normally depart twice a day. The schedule is changed frequently. Prices are significantly lower on Monday through Thursday than on Fridays, weekends and holidays.

There are also several private boats from Angra dos Reis port to Vila do Abraão on Ilha Grande, leaving almost every hour (depeding on the demand). Prices may vary from R$15 to R$25. If you walk near the pier and look like a tourist you will be approached by these boat operators. Note that they may not be entirely truthful about how soon their boat will depart - if you are told to wait on a pier and see no boat nearby, find another operator.

Daily buses operated by Costa Verde leave from Rio de Janeiro to Angra dos Reis. Daily buses from São Paulo to Angra dos Reis are operated by Reunidas.

title: Angra dos Reis


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Ang Thong

Ang Thong (Thai: อ่างทอง) is a city in the Chao Phraya Basin region of Thailand. The city and its surrounding area are noted for its huge reclining Buddha, courageous heroes, court dolls, wickerwork, drum-making, and double-reclining Buddha.

Understand
Ang Thong, originally known as Wiset Chai Chan, is on the Noi River and the low-lying land of Chao Phraya River. It was a frontier outpost of Ayutthaya when fighting with the Burmese. It appears in several parts of the Ayutthaya chronicles, especially prior to the defeat of Ayutthaya in 1767. Later during the Thonburi era, Wiset Chai Chan was moved to a new site on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River at Ban Bangkaeo and was named "Ang Thong" since its location was a fertile basin similar to a water and rice bowl of the country.

Ang Thong is a small province of 968 square kilometres at the lower part of central Thailand. Topographically, almost all of the Ang Thong area is low plain with two important rivers crossing the province, i.e., the Noi River and Chao Phraya River. Ang Thong is administratively divided into 7 districts: Mueang Ang Thong, Wiset Chai Chan, Sawaeng Ha, Pa Mok, Pho Thong, Chaiyo, and Samko. Borders are Singburi to the north, Ayutthaya to the south, Ayutthaya and Lopburi to the east and Suphanburi to the west.

By car
Three options from Bangkok are:

 * Take the Phahonyothin Highway (Hwy 32) from Bangkok and turn onto the Asian Hwy, passing Bang Pa-in, Bang Pahan in Ayuttaya and then Ang Thong. Total distance is about.
 * Take the new road and cross Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge until you reach Talingchan. Then turn onto Hwy 340, passing Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Suphanburi, until you reach Ang Thong. Total distance is about.
 * Take the Bangkok-Pathum Thani Hwy, passing Pak Kret. Then take Hwy 3111, passing Bang Sai, Sena, and Ayutthaya. Then take Hwy 3263 and Hwy 309, entering Pa Mok until you reach Ang Thong. Total distance is about.

By bus
The Transportation Co., Ltd. provides daily transportation between Bangkok-Ang Thong. There are both air conditioned and non-air conditioned buses leaving Northern Terminal Bus Station on Kamphaeng Phet II Rd. For more information, contact +66 2 5378055, +66 2 936 2852-66, or +66 2 9363603.

title: Ang Thong


text:
Ang Thong National Marine Park

Ang Thong National Marine Park is a fascinating archipelago of 42 or so islands in the Central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand. It is northwest of Ko Samui.

Understand
Most of the islands are close to each other making a breathtaking panorama sailing around the park. All the islands are of different sizes and shapes. Most of them are covered with tropical forests and named after their distinguishing geography, a kind of descriptive appellation, such as Sleeping Cow Island and Three Pillars Island.

Landscape
Ang Thong, translates as golden bowl, occupies almost 250 km² and includes 50 km² of limestone islands and karst topography which rise from the sea as dramatic rock cliffs and bizarre rock formations. Caves, hidden lagoons, and white sand beaches are there to be explored and snorkelling among the shallow coral gardens makes for a popular and fascinating day trip.

Ang Thong National Marine Park is a protected nature area consisting of over 40 islands, and is famous for its natural beauty. All of the islands are uninhabited and undeveloped except for one. This island, Ko Paluay, is inhabited by sea-gypsies who still earn a living from fishing.

Flora and fauna

The woods in the park can be classified as dry evergreen forest, beach forest, and limestone forest. Dry evergreen forests are found on larger islands like Wuatalab, Paluay and Samsao. Beach forests are lighter woods found in small stretches along the beaches. Limestone forests are found on limestone mountains with thin soil layer, meaning that plants are smaller.

Larger animals do not thrive on these islands as they are small and dominated mostly by steep limestone mountains, with only few lightly to moderately slanted plains. Sixteen species of mammals like otters, langurs, crab-eating monkeys, hogs, silver haired bats, dolphins, and whales are found.

Other fauna include at least 54 species of birds, including Little herons, Brahminy kites, common sandpipers, oriental pied hornbills, drongoes and hill mynas. 14 species of reptiles are found, such as ground lizards, iguanas, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, pythons, and cobras.

Only five species of amphibia are found: common Asian toads, tiger frogs, rugose frogs, grass frogs, and tree frogs.

The waters of the national park are home to butterfly fish, angel fish, parrot fish, blue-spotted fantail rays, blacktip reef sharks, snappers, groupers, sea slugs, blue swimming crabs, sea fans, sea whips, giant clams, oysters, and coral. The park is also a breeding ground for mackerel.

Get in
Access to the Marine Park is controlled, but there are several Samui-based boat rental and kayak operators who are licensed carriers, catering to both independent visitors and organised kayaking/camping trips. There are also boats based on Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao that run liveaboard cruises to Ang Thong.

You can go to the park by slow, time-consuming ferries with many other people in big group (40-50 people, only from Ko Samui) or in a smaller group (maximum 25 people) via speedboats so that you can enjoy more of the park.

Tours from Ko Pha Ngan cost 1,800 baht plus a 200 baht entrance fee. Tours include pick-up from accommodation, a light breakfast, speedboat transfer to the park with snorkelling stops, a visit to Emerald Lake viewpoint, a buffet lunch on another island with a beautiful viewpoint and tough hiking (if you want to go to the top without breaks at three lower viewpoints and you are really fit you can be on top in 30 min. Lower viewpoints with worse views are less challenging). After all that, relax on another island on a deserted beach where you can kayak (200 baht per person) and transfer back to Ko Pha Ngan.

If you want to avoid crowds and money is not a problem or you are travelling with friends in a big group, you can do a private tour for 15,000 baht for a maximum of 10 persons (price from same travel agency. It may be possible to bargain, or cheaper at other places) on the speedboat and you can depart/arrive at any time.

Fees and permits
Entrance fee to the marine park: Normally not included in the tour fee unless otherwise specified, 200 baht/foreigner, 100 baht for foreign children under 12 years. Price for locals, 40 baht.

Get around
The most common transport from Ko Samui are tour boats taking 40-50 people, with lunch on board. These require you to transfer to a longtail boat to get to the shore of whatever island you are visiting, which can be tricky and requires a modicum of fitness.

You can take speedboat tours which also provide a snorkelling program and fewer people. It gets you to the archipelago faster. The best way is to put together a group of friends to hire a boat and explore the islands and beaches in your own time.

Most tours go to the park's visitor centre for lunch and kayaking. The visitor centre is visited by most tour operators, making it very crowded from 10:00 to 16:00. Before and after it's a totally secluded place with almost nobody around.

See

Ko Mae Ko (Mother Island) is a must visit. Here, an emerald seawater lake in the middle of the island is encircled on all sides by limestone cliffs, but linked by an underground tunnel connecting with the sea. Reaching the lake entails a strenuous climb of 40 min or so, but is rewarded with a spectacular view across the whole park.

The climb is up a series of staircases wonderfully combined into the natural landscape of the karst, threading through a narrow opening in the rock face at one point, and entailing minimum exertion if you pace yourself and are in decent physical shape. The final series of steps is a bit steep and caution should be exercised when descending the steps, but the entire trip up and down would not take 40 minutes unless you stopped and enjoyed the spectacular Emerald Lagoon, as the locals call this trapped sea-lake inside the collapsed island, for 20 minutes or so from the lookout point at the very top.

Do
Caves in many of the islands have intriguing rock formations. Visit one for an awesome experience. The beaches are surrounded with excellent coral reefs which make for perfect swimming and snorkelling. Hundreds of beaches here in the archipelago are deserted. Get a boat and find your own secret beach away from the crowds.

Other popular sites are Ko Sam Sao (Tripod Island) with an extensive coral reef and Wua Talap Island or 'sleeping cow'. It takes some effort to climb up the steep 430 m hill to a viewpoint offering great scenery of the entire archipelago and the mainland.

Eat
The main restaurant, managed by Nam, is excellent and offers a variety of cuisine. Only be careful to order early as the cook leaves by 22:00 and the lights go out by 23:00. Cheapest rice meal is vegetable fried rice from 60 baht. Delicious meals with good portions cost 100-120 baht, worth spending money, but place your order as soon as possible, because preparation is VERY slow. Expect waiting for 30-40 min for meals in the uncrowded restaurant.

Drink
The park headquarters sells beer. Take water. You'll need plenty.

Sleep
The park headquarters are located on Ko Wua Talab, which has basic bungalow accommodation.

Lodging
The park has 5 bungalows which are of different sizes. The costs are quite low, 500 baht per day, for a 2 bedroom cottage. The cottages are set against a beautiful backdrop and the park staff are very friendly, and fanatical about football. However please note that the park is not for the resort seeker. Facilities are basic, no hot water, and the park shuts off its electric supply at 23:00. So no electricity at night which only adds to the appeal of the place.

Camping
In the cottages are full, you can rent a tent for 2 for 250 baht. You can also bring your own tent and camp at the camping grounds. But you will almost always find a tent to rent.

Backcountry
Probably one of the best hikes in Thailand. From the park headquarters there is a path leading up the side of the rocks. This will take maybe 25-30 minutes to walk up, and well-worth it. But be warned, this is not a hike for the faint-hearted. Make sure you have good footwear as there are sharp limestone crags which will be your foothold, especially towards the peak. With a breathtaking view of all the Ang Thong islands, the end result of the hike is well worth it. Beware though, the hike is very steep in some sections and offer questionable ropes to hang onto. But this hike alone will justify your trip to Ang Thong.

Stay safe
Take water, hat, sunscreen, and something like an old t-shirt to cover up with when you're snorkelling.

Go next

 * Ko Samui - well-developed tourist beach destination

title: Ang Thong National Marine Park


text:
Anguilla

Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean Sea, a few miles north of Saint Martin. Anguilla has everything you might expect from a Caribbean island, with gorgeous bays, some of the best white sand beaches in the world, palm trees and the turquoise ocean all around. That lovely setting is of course what draws most travelers here, and it allows for perfect lazy days of sunbathing and swimming.

Villages
Of the many villages scattered across the island, these are of most interest to visitors.
 * The Valley - the capital and commercial centre
 * Blowing Point - terminal for ferries from St. Martin
 * Island Harbour - home to small fishing fleet
 * Sandy Ground - bars and restaurants along beach

Other destinations
Here are a few of the many beaches:
 * Meads Bay - several resorts and restaurants
 * Rendezvous Bay - long beach with view of St. Martins
 * Little Bay - tiny beach accessible by boat
 * Crocus Bay - reached by a steep road from The Valley
 * Shoal Bay (East) - long beach with reefs protecting it from surf
 * Savanna Bay - long undeveloped beach; you may have it to yourself

Several islands offer dining and drinking or solitude:

 * Scrub Island - you and the birds
 * Sandy Island - not far from Sandy Ground
 * Scilly Cay - in Island Harbor

Understand

Anguilla was colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, and administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island — against the wishes of the inhabitants — was incorporated into a single UK dependency along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980 with Anguilla becoming a separate UK dependency.

Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and remittances from emigrants. Increased activity in the tourism industry, which has spurred the growth of the construction sector, has contributed to economic growth.

Geography
Anguilla is a flat and low-lying island. It is 35 sq. miles, 16 miles long and 3 miles wide at the widest point. The highest point is Crocus Hill, at 65 metres.

The island is made of limestone. There are many caves, and two of the most impressive are The Big Springs in Island Harbour and The Fountain in Shoal Bay.

Anguilla also has many attractive coral reefs which provide habitats for a vast array of tropical fish and marine wildlife and are great for snorkelling.

Tourist information

 * Visit Anguilla website

Visa requirements
A maximum visa-free stay of 3 months is granted to holders of British passports, all European Union citizens and nationals of Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, East Timor, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, Uruguay and Vanuatu.

Passengers can stay in transit for 24 hours without a visa except for nationals of Afghanistan, China, Colombia, Croatia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Montenegro, Nigeria, Serbia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Uganda.

In addition, holders of a valid visa issued by the United Kingdom and holders of diplomatic passports do not require a visa.

By plane
It may be easier to access Anguilla via Sint Maarten, which can be reached non-stop from many eastern U.S. cities, as well as European cities. Anguilla Air Services has three or four (depending on the season) 10-minute flights each way. Visitors may also book local air charters via Trans Anguilla or Anguilla Air Service. Many visitors charter boats privately from the pier near Princess Julianna Airport in St. Maarten to Anguilla. There are also modest, private ferries that depart from Marigot every 30 minutes.

By boat
This is the most common method of transport between Anguilla and Saint Martin. There is a chance of getting wet, so choose your seat carefully to sit facing the wind. If you experience sea sickness quite easily, ensure you take medication before boarding and if possible sit towards the back of the vessel for maximum stability.

There are regular small public ferries from Marigot in French St. Martin that cross to Blowing Point, Anguilla in about 20mins. Ferries commence service from 7AM, and run every 45mins. The last ferry departs Anguilla at 6:00PM and St. Martin at 7PM. If traveling from Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) in Sint Maarten (the Dutch part of Saint Martin), a dispatcher can direct you to a taxi (approximately EC$24–26 from SXM or EC$15 from Simpson Bay) for the 10-15min drive to Marigot.

Public Ferry Fees:

EC$53 total for return ticket the same day, broken down to EC$20 for ferry each way, EC$5 departure tax in Sint Maarten and EC$8 departure tax in Anguilla

There are also direct fast boats between Blowing Point (Anguilla) and Princess Juliana Airport (Sint Maarten) taking 30mins to cross. Airport drop off is also provided with these services (though the boat terminal is only a couple of hundred meters/yds up the road from the Airport). As of 2015 a comprehensive website for all ferry and boat routes to the regional islands, StMartinbookings.com has come online. Schedules & live availability for the fast boats from Anguilla to are available for comparison there.

A taxi to Marigot and the public ferry from there takes a little longer in terms of total journey time but will cost on average about EC$15–20 less than with the SXM Airport direct speed boat services.

By car
For most visitors, a rented car is the best option. Even if you are staying at a full-service resort, you will want to sample the many beaches and restaurants on the island. Pick up a copy of the Skyviews map, usually available at Immigration and elsewhere. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Speeds are low, but the island is small. Main roads are paved; most are in good condition. There are also a few roundabouts and stop lights throughout the island. Road names are not always posted, and some roads change names (the road from The Valley to the West End has a half dozen names along the way), but there are destination signs at main intersections and roundabouts. Many secondary roads are sand or dirt, ranging from smooth to very poor.

 * There are no car rental agencies at the airport, but all will deliver to your hotel.  Island Car Rental, +1 264-497-2723, is an easy walk from the airport, tucked into Anguilla Motors.  They can arrange for you to pick up the car after hours, and do the paperwork next day.  Hertz-Triple K, +1 264-497-2934, is also nearby.  Other agencies include Avis, +1 264-497-2642, and Bass Car Rental, +1 264-497-2361.

By taxi
Many visitors find it convenient to take a taxi on arrival, arranging for a rental car later. Taxi service is unmetered, with set rates. If leaving from the airport, a dispatcher will issue a slip showing the fare.Taxi drivers offer island tours lasting several hours. Fares must be paid in cash and or credit card.

By bicycle
The island does not lend itself to relaxed bicycling. The roads do not have shoulders. Traffic is heavy on many main roads from the Valley to points west. Traffic is light in the Shoal Bay and East End areas, but there are some hills.

Talk
English is the official language, spoken everywhere.

Beaches
There are some stunning coral reefs just outside the coast, which make it a fine destination for scuba diving or snorkeling. If you're not that sporty, hop on one of the glass bottomed boats to have at least a glance. Shoal Bay can compete with any beach in the world and has a great reef. Other popular bays are Barnes, Rendezvous, Road and Little Bay, but you can choose from 33 fine beaches in total. From April through November, many of Anguilla's beaches are nesting grounds for leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles. Maundays, Meads, Captains and Limestone Bay offer the best chances to witness this wonderful natural phenomenon. All beaches are public, but ease of access varies. The large resorts and developments are obligated to provide public access; don't hesitate to ask. Many beach bars also provide free access.
 * Shoal Bay, sometimes called Shoal Bay (East) to distinguish it from Shoal Bay West, stretches for a mile or so. It is seldom crowded even at Shoal Bay Village where there is a cluster of resorts, restaurants and beach bars. East of Shoal Bay Village, toward Gwen's, you may have the beach to yourself. The water is usually calm, making this a good family beach.  At the eastern end, snorkelers float over areas of coral rock near the beach. Access: At Shoal Bay Village or at Gwen's Reggae Bar—look for signs on the road between Shoal Bay Village and Island Harbor.
 * Meads Bay is less protected from waves than Shoal Bay, but is a fine strolling beach. Several resorts and villas line the beach but do not dominate it.  Access:  Frangiapani Resort has designated parking spaces for public access, and a public access path to the left of the building.
 * Savannah Bay is a mile-long beach without a hotel in sight. Except for a few people around Palm Grove Grill at the northern end, you may have the beach to yourself.  Access:  On the paved road across the eastern end of the island, watch for a sign for Palm Grove.  The sand road to the beach is rough and rocky in places, but can be driven during daylight with no great difficulty.  Park next to Palm Grove.
 * Rendezvous Bay. Yes, another mile of beautiful beach!  The eastern part, along the salt pond, is undeveloped. A couple of beach bars on the western part offer refreshment.  Access:  On the main road, watch for a sign for Anguilla Great House at Willow Lane. Continue past the Great House entrance and park in the unpaved lot at the salt pond.
 * Shoal Bay West is a pleasant beach with a good view of St. Martins. Lined with villas in a dramatic modern style, the beach itself is often deserted.  Access:  Stay on the main road until the paving ends.  Park next to the salt pond.  The public access path is between two of the villas.
 * Little Bay can be the least or the most crowded of the beaches—it is so small that a yachtful of visitors can fill it up. This is a popular snorkeling area.  Rocks near the shore offer the beginner a chance to see colorful little fishes, while better swimmers may glimpse sea turtles.  Access: The adventurous can try to find the path that leads down the cliff that surrounds the beach.  For the rest of us, go to Crocus Bay in The Valley and ask for Calvin at the tamarind tree.  He will take you there in his motor boat, and can be trusted to come back for you at the agreed time.

History
Take some time to learn about the events that have shaped the island's people. Few historic buildings survive, but you will find links to the past around the island;
 * Salt mining. For much of Anguilla's history, extraction of salt by evaporation of sea water was a major industry. The Pumphouse at Sandy Ground, now a bar, housed the pumps that fed seawater to the salt pond.

Island life
At Island Harbour you can see local fishermen and sailors at work. On the road to West End, past the Sandy Ground roundabout, you may see a racing boat under construction, under a shed on the right side of the road. The boat races are major events, celebrating the return of workers from the cane fields of the Dominican Republic in the old days, and perhaps also the nautical skills of the smugglers of years past.

Anguilla has many farms of corn, peas, tomatoes and other crops. To see, buy or learn about plants and animals in Anguilla one can visit The Department of Agriculture, located in The Valley, Anguilla. The Anguilla National Trust can provide information on Anguilla's environment and conducts tours. Its main task is to preserve Anguilla's natural environment, historic and cultural resources and archaeology. If you're interested in gardens, try the Hydroponic Farm and Organic Gardens, at CuisinArt Resort and Spa, West End Village or the Endangered Species Garden and Indigenous Local Plants Gardens at the Cap Juluca Resort.

Birds
The salt ponds, uplands and beaches provide habitat for a variety of birds. Stop by the National Trust office to buy A Guide to the Birds of Anguilla, with color photos and maps of birding areas. Pelicans and brown boobies dive for fish along the beaches. Frigate birds glide high above. Ducks and wading birds can often be seen at the Sandy Ground salt pond. Even at your hotel, you may see hummingbirds among the flowering shrubs or the small bananaquit in the trees.

Do
Hiking, Art Gallery Tours, Horseback Riding at Seaside Stables, El Rancho Del Blues and Cliffside Stables. Tennis, Spa and Wellness, Glass-bottom boat, Swimming, Snorkeling, Fishing, Festivals: Anguilla Summer Festival, Tranquility Jazz Festival, Moonsplash, Festival Del Mar, Annual Anguilla Yacht Regatta and Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree.

 * Golf: Aurora Resort is by the golf course, formerly known as Temenos.
 * Golf: Aurora Resort is by the golf course, formerly known as Temenos.
 * Golf: Aurora Resort is by the golf course, formerly known as Temenos.

Money
The currency of the country is the East Caribbean dollar, denoted by the symbol: "$" or "EC$" (ISO currency code: XCD), which is also used by seven other island nations in the Caribbean. The EC dollar is subdivided into 100 cents. It is pegged to the United States dollar at an exchange rate of US$1 = EC$2.70.

Coins circulate in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 25 cents and 1 dollar. Banknotes circulate in denominations of 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars.

Though the East Caribbean dollar is the local currency, most places frequented by tourists price goods and services in U.S. dollars and all locations accept U.S. dollars for payment. On occasion, you may receive small change in a mix of USD and XCD.

Credit cards are taken at hotels and restaurants (not everywhere will accept Amex. MasterCard/Visa preferred).

Art galleries
Several art galleries offer the works of Anguillan and other Caribbean artists, with prices from a few dollars to thousands.

Eat
Pigeon peas and rice is often considered as the signature dish of the island.

Budget

 * Amy's Bakery, Blowing Point
 * B & D's BBQ, Long Bay
 * Big Jim's BBQ, Blowing Point
 * Hall's Unique Bakery, The Valley
 * Le Bon Pain, (French bakery) Island Harbour
 * Mary's Bakery, The, Quarter
 * Uncle Ernie's on Shoal Bay beach; inexpensive local BBQ

Mid-range

 * Blowing Point Harbor
 * English Rose Restaurant, The Valley.
 * Gwen's Reggae Grill, Shoal Bay.
 * Johnno's is an Anguillan landmark, run by John (Johnno) on Sandy Ground beach. It is an open air bar, restaurant and at night a dance club on the beach, often with live local bands.
 * Landing Strip Restaurant, Blowing Point
 * Nico's Restaurant, The Valley
 * Oriental Restaurant and Bar, The Valley; Chinese restaurant
 * Zara's, +1 264-497 3229, Shoal Bay at Allamanda Beach Club - Listen to the Chef, Shamash, sing love songs in his kitchen while you watch him prepare your feast.
 * Zara's, +1 264-497 3229, Shoal Bay at Allamanda Beach Club - Listen to the Chef, Shamash, sing love songs in his kitchen while you watch him prepare your feast.
 * Zara's, +1 264-497 3229, Shoal Bay at Allamanda Beach Club - Listen to the Chef, Shamash, sing love songs in his kitchen while you watch him prepare your feast.
 * Zara's, +1 264-497 3229, Shoal Bay at Allamanda Beach Club - Listen to the Chef, Shamash, sing love songs in his kitchen while you watch him prepare your feast.

Splurge

 * Caprice, West End.
 * Kemia, Cap Juluca Hotel, West End.
 * Koal Keel Restaurant, The Valley.
 * Le Bistro, Malliouhana, West End.
 * Pimms, Cap Juluca Hotel, West End.
 * Santorini, CuisinArt, West End.
 * Veya, Sandy Ground.
 * Le Bistro, Malliouhana, West End.
 * Pimms, Cap Juluca Hotel, West End.
 * Santorini, CuisinArt, West End.
 * Veya, Sandy Ground.
 * Santorini, CuisinArt, West End.
 * Veya, Sandy Ground.
 * Veya, Sandy Ground.

Drink
There are many places to lounge, listen to music and dance such as:
 * Elodias, Shoal Bay, there is a live band on Sunday evenings
 * English Rose Restaurant, The Valley, karaoke on Friday nights
 * Dune Preserve, West End
 * Ko Ko's Beach Bar, Island Harbour
 * Rafe's, Sandy Ground
 * Ko Ko's Beach Bar, Island Harbour
 * Rafe's, Sandy Ground
 * Rafe's, Sandy Ground

Sleep
Choose from an array of hotels, villas, guest houses and apartments to rest your head at night. Rates are in US dollars for high season, typically January to April, and do not include taxes (20% plus $1) unless noted.

Villas

 * Altamer Villas - Shoal Bay West
 * Bird of Paradise - Sandy Hill Bay
 * Kamique Little Harbour Villas - Little Harbour
 * Sheriva Villas - Maundays Bay Road, West End
 * Spyglass Hill Villa - North Hill
 * Temenos Villas - Long Bay
 * Ceblue Anguilla Villas and Beach Resort - Crocus Island

Stay safe
Anguilla is a safe island with a low crime rate. But please take necessary precautions—lock your doors at night, don't leave personal belongings in your unlocked rental car and don't give rides to pedestrians.

The Police station is in the capital, The Valley. Also, the hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital. There is only one hospital in Anguilla, however, there are many private doctors, including Hughes Medical Center located in West End. There are many Medical Clinics located in many villages such as, The Valley, West End, East End and Blowing Point.

Stay healthy
Anguilla offers a variety of Spas and Wellness centers, Gyms and Healthy Food stores.

Gyms

 * Louis Price Fitness, George Hill.
 * Cardigan Connor, Personal Trainer

Spas and Wellness Centers

 * Cardigan Connor's Massage
 * OSSIA Massage and Esthetics, South Hill
 * Taino Wellness Center
 * Carey's Ultimate Care Spa, North Side
 * Malakh Day Spa, Shoal Bay Beach, next to Gwen's Reggae Grill

Healty Food Stores

 * Simple Natural, The Valley

Go next

 * Saint Martin and Saint-Barthélemy to the south are the closest islands to Anguilla.

title: Anguilla


text:
Angus

Angus is a county in North East Scotland, which historically had Dundee as its main conurbation though this is now separately governed. Angus can be considered the birthplace not only of Scotland – the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath first asserted the nation's sovereignty – but also of its grandparents. It was the heartland of the Picts from about 100 BC to 900 AD, when they merged into the Celts. Any place named "Pit-" is likely to have been their dwelling, but all that remains of their culture is the collection of carved stones dotted around Angus.

Towns and villages

 * was once a drab industrial place, but is now rejuvenated, with Captain Scott's sailing ship Discovery, the Verdant jute mill, and the V&A Design Museum. At last it's worthy of its fine natural setting at the outlet of the Tay.

A string of small towns line the coast to the north-east:
 * Broughty Ferry was where you crossed the Tay until the railway bridge was built - and then, tragically, where you still had to cross. It straggles east into Monifieth.
 * has a famous golf course.
 * is a small harbour with industrial history.
 * is another harbour and has a large tidal lagoon full of birdlife.

Inland are:
 * has a mediaeval cathedral, and 5 miles north is Edzell Castle.
 * home of the Forfar Bridie has Pictish stones, and nearby is Glamis Castle.
 * was the birthplace of JM Barrie, author of Peter Pan.

Other destinations
The Angus Glens are five scenic river valleys flowing out of the Grampian Mountains. Their upper courses are part of Cairngorms National Park.
 * is above Bridge of Craigisla, where there's a 24-m-tall waterfall, the Reekie Linn. The B951 climbs the valley through Kirkton of Glenisla and Brewlands Bridge to Forter Castle, a 16th-century tower house that's now a private dwelling. The B951 here crosses the ridge west to join Glenshee. A dead-end lane continues north in the glen to Auchavan, where trails lead up to the glacial Corrie Fee.
 * is above Kirriemuir. Inverquharity Castle at its confluence with River South Esk is a 15th-century tower house, now a private dwelling. At Dykehead, a forest trail leads to the Airlie Monument on Tulloch Hill. An easy 4-mile trail connects Prosen and Clova, while higher up is the Kilbo Path.
 * is the 20-mile valley of the River South Esk. B955 runs up it to divide into a loop round one side to Clova village and back down the other. You can drive further up the lane to the car park at Glen Doll, where Jock's Road is an ancient drove trail.
 * west of Edzell is guarded by two Iron Age hilltop forts, the Brown and White Caterthuns, with the lane crossing the ridge between them.
 * north of Edzell is the 15-mile valley of River North Esk. The public road ends at Invermark Castle, a tower house, from where you walk up the track to Loch Lee, hemmed in by crags and cliffs.
 * See Braemar and Blairgowrie & Rattray for Glenshee, which is in Perth and Kinross county. The Cateran Trail is a long-distance hiking trail through Glenshee and Glen Isla.

Understand
The county of Angus is named for the 8th-century Pictish King Óengus, son of Fergus, whose power extended into Strathclyde, Ulster and Northumbria. This area was his heartland and its Pictish culture is seen in distinctly-carved stones and in placenames beginning "Pit-". It's a mostly lowland area, even though it lies north of the River Tay; the Highland Fault trends diagonally to reach the sea at Stonehaven. Angus, known as Forfarshire until 1928, therefore had armies march across it but saw no great battles, and quietly got on with raising its Aberdeen Angus beef cattle.

The textile industry, whaling and sea trade caused the port of Dundee to grow from the 18th century, and grow and grow, until in 1894 it was hived off as a separate "city-county". Local authority boundaries and terminology have changed several times since, but that in essence remains the present picture, with a City of Dundee (population in 2016 of 148,280) and an Angus Council Area (population in 2019 of 116,040). However for practical purposes, Dundee is the core of Angus, where all the transport routes converge, and with the bulk of visitor amenities and attractions, so it's convenient to consider it here.

Get in
See Dundee for long-distance routes by air, rail and road. The main railway line from London and Edinburgh crosses the Tay from Fife into Dundee, and continues north via Arbroath and Montrose towards Aberdeen. Trains from Glasgow approach via Perth and along the Tay north bank to Dundee. The main road A90 also approaches this way, bypasses the city and goes north further inland.

Get around
Along the coast, train is always much quicker; but they don't run inland. Stagecoach Strathtay Bus 27 connects Kirriemuir, Forfar, Guthrie and Arbroath hourly. Bus 20 / 21 connects Kirriemuir, Forfar and Dundee every 30 min. Bus 30 connects Brechin, Montrose, Arbroath, Dundee and Perth every 30 min.

See

 * Dundee: other attractions include McManus Gallery, Desperate Dan, the Science Centre, and the University Botanic Garden.
 * Pictish stones have striking designs, often a "Z-rod" with discs. The best examples can be seen at Aberlemno (on B9134 midway between Forfar and Brechin), but these (and many other outdoor stones) are boxed in winter to prevent frost damage. Museum collections can be seen at Forfar, Meigle, Montrose, Brechin, St Vigeans just north of Arbroath, Dundee, and the National Museum in Edinburgh.
 * Castles: Glamis near Forfar is the big draw, but Edzell near Brechin is a gem with its walled garden. Lots more turrets and tumbledown ruins, such as Broughty Ferry.
 * A pre-World War I airbase defends Montrose.
 * Scotland's Gardens opens up private gardens once a year in summer, with all proceeds going to charity. There are about 30 participating gardens in this area, dates staggered so there's one open most weekends.

Do

 * Bonfest is a rock festival held in May in Kirriemuir near Forfar.
 * Highland Games are held in summer in Brechin, Montrose and Glamis Castle.
 * Quote McGonagall and probably at some length, as the "Worst Poet in Scotland" (if not the galaxy) was prolix, and didn't go in for pithy epigrams. He's best remembered in Dundee for his doggerel extolling the Tay Railway Bridge, which collapsed. His "poetic gems" fill three books, available in city bookshops.

Eat

 * Forfar bridies are meat pastries; they don't contain potato so they're more substantial than, say, Cornish pasties.
 * Arbroath smokies are smoked haddock. They're widely available in Scotland but in Arbroath you can eat them fresh-smoked.
 * Aberdeen Angus is a small hardy breed of beef cattle. They've been raised at least since the 16th century, though systematic stock management only began from the 19th. The cattle are naturally polled ie hornless, black- or red-coated (though the U.S. regards the red as a separate breed), and the beef has a marbled appearance. If you eat a burger hereabouts, chances are it contains Angus beef.
 * Dundee has the best selection of eating places. Dining in the small towns is mostly bar food, but Montrose has an Australian diner.

Drink

 * There are breweries in Dundee and Laurencekirk near Montrose, and distilleries in Dundee, Montrose, Brechin and Glamis.

Stay safe

 * Avoid idiot drunks in Dundee (and don't be one of them) and watch for speeding traffic.
 * The countryside is lowland, with no great natural dangers, just weary weather at times.
 * Don't take the last train of the day on Su 28 Dec 1879, or you'll end up in a dirge by McGonagall.

Go next

 * Northeast brings you along a rugged coastline to Stonehaven and Aberdeen.
 * Follow Glenisla north into Glenshee, over the bleak moor to Braemar on Deeside, then down the valley to Balmoral and lowland Aberdeenshire.
 * West is Perth and Kinross county, an attractive mix of lowland and highland.

title: Angus


text:
Anhui

Anhui (安徽; Ānhuī) is a province in the southern central region of China. Historically, it is a relatively poor agricultural province, and over the past few decades it has been one of the main suppliers of cheap migrant labour to more prosperous coastal provinces, especially in nearby East China. In the 21st century, Anhui has begun developing quite a bit of modern industry.

Cities

 * - the capital, near the center of the province
 * , in the North of the province
 * , to the Southeast, close to Nanjing
 * , in the south, close to the mountain of the same name
 * , hometown of Cao Cao, a famous warlord during the Three Kingdoms Period
 * , hometown of Cao Cao, a famous warlord during the Three Kingdoms Period

Other destinations

 * and Hongcun - two ancient villages in Southern Anhui - are on the UNESCO World Heritage List
 * (Yellow Mountain)
 * (Jiuhuashan)
 * - a sacred Taoist mountain
 * - a UNESCO Global Geopark

Understand
Anhui is less than three hours from Shanghai by high-speed train. With the Yangtze River and Huaihe River crossing it, it is divided into three parts: South Anhui, Middle Anhui, and North Anhui. It has a semitropical climate with four distinct seasons.

Get in
Huangshan Tunxi International Airport

See
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a famously scenic area with an important temple.

Eat
An Anhui specialty is hairy tofu (毛豆腐 máo dòufu), a type of fermented tofu named for the hairy white fungus that grows out of it.

Go next

 * Jiangsu
 * Shanghai
 * Zhejiang
 * Jiangxi
 * Hubei
 * Henan
 * Shandong

title: Anhui


text:
Ani

Once upon a time, Ani, the capital of the Armenian Empire under the Bagratid Dynasty, rivaled the Middle East's most powerful cities. Now, the city exudes the eerie ambiance of a ghost town surrounded by the remote landscape of the rolling Turkish steppe, the heavy weight of tragic history, and a nearby contested border; it has been made a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Ani is a truly unique, must-see destination for any traveller to the Turkish East. Try to visit in June, if possible, because this is when the vast, flat plains are teeming with wildflowers.

History
Ani's first rise to prominence was in the 400s AD. At this time, it was a hilltop fortress that belonged to the Armenian Kamsarakan Dynasty; by the 800s, however, the Kamsarakan possessions in Eastern Anatolia had merged with the Bagratid Dynasty. In 961, King Ashot III moved the Armenian capital to Ani, and Armenian Catholics followed. Consequently, the city became the undisputed center of Armenia and grew rapidly until, by the eleventh century, there were more than 100,000 citizens. At its height, the city became known as the City of Forty Gates and the City of a Thousand Churches.

However, following the death of King Gagik in 1020, Armenian power was split between two sons and the golden age ended. The son who controlled Ani, attempting to prevent invasion, named the Byzantine Emperor his heir; eventually, though, the Byzantine Emperor stated his claim upon the city. The new king of Ani tried to keep his city independent, but after three years of military defeats and a pro-Byzantine uprising, Ani surrendered and the Byzantines established control.

The Byzantines, however, had wasted their time and effort, as in 1064 the Seljuk Turks took the city and massacred the populace. The city of Ani survived for another 650 years, but it was now a provincial town at the edge of competing empires. The Seljuk Turks passed possession of the city to Kurdish Shaddadids; they were attacked repeatedly by the neighboring Georgian Empire at the behest of Ani's unruly Christian population. The Shaddadids were conquered in 1199 by Queen Tamar of Georgia, and the Zakarid Dynasty of Ani was established. The city prospered once again, but was devastated this time in 1236 by the invading Mongol Hordes. The Zakarids continued to govern the city as the vassals of various Turkic and Persian Empires, culminating with the Ottomans, but Ani gradually faded into uninhabited ruins.

Modern history
In the late 1800s, the Russian Empire took control of Kars and surrounding areas. The Saint Petersburg Academy of Sciences oversaw a large archaeological and restorative effort until the Russian Revolution in 1917. Russian scientists succeeded in setting up a huge museum on-site, principally in the Minuchihr Mosque.

After the Russian Revolution and the founding of the Republic of Armenia, the Ottoman military drove east into former Russian territories with the intention of seizing the region and getting rid of the ethnic Armenians. The Russian-led archaeologists did what they could to salvage remains of the ancient city and fled to modern-day Armenia. During the Turkish War of Independence, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey ordered the Eastern Front commander that the "monument of Ani be wiped off the face of the earth." The commander did not obey, fortunately, so the monuments of Ani remain. On the other hand, however, Russian excavations and repairs were undone, and the site languished under what can be most favorably described as neglect.

From 1585, when the Ottomans seized Kars Province, until recently Ani has been on the edge of one of the most hostile borders in the world: Turkey and the Soviet Union (and since 1991, Armenia). Ani was within a Turkish military zone that precluded tourism. However, things have cooled down between Turkey and Armenia in more recent times, and militant Turkish opposition to acknowledging the ruins as a major tourist point of interest has subsided. There is a sign outside the main city gate that lists all of the approximately fifteen empires that have controlled the region; however, it does not mention the Armenians who built the city and are at the center of its history. The border remains closed and is visible from the ruins, but anyone can visit Ani without any sort of permit, and photography restrictions are a thing of the past. Although the Turkish government makes friendly noises about preservation, restoration, and excavation, it still receives low marks from international NGOs.

Climate
Ani's climate is hemiboreal, with short and mild summers but extremely harsh winters.

Summers (Jul-Aug), which have warm daytime temperatures, are the best time to visit, although they still have chilly to cold nights. Winters (Nov-Mar) are frigid and snowy. Spring and fall are both short and cool. Rain and snow are both frequent, with rain showers being especially frequent through spring, regularly bringing hail.

For more detailed information, the nearest city, Kars, has a similar climate and more information on its page.

By public transport
As of February 2023, a bus leaves from Kars in front of the Gazi Ahmet Muhtar Paşa Konağı at 10:00 and returns at 13:30 in summer. In winter, departure is at 09:00 and return 12.45. Staff there can confirm the correct departure time (but only in Turkish).

By taxi
If you want to hire a taxi for the day, ask at your hotel in Kars; expect to pay 500 TL (four people, Feb 2023) for a five hour trip, including two hours' driving time and 2 hours and a half to 3 hours at Ani. If you're not staying the night before in Kars, just look around downtown early in the morning for any backpacker or ask in hotel lobbies—virtually all travelers visiting Kars go to Ani, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a ride in summer. The rides often leave from the small parking lot with shuttle rides to/from the main bus station.

There are virtually no tourists in Kars during the winter, so you may have to charter a taxi alone.

By car
On many maps, there is a road to Ani marked about half way between Diğor and Kars; this road does not seem to exist and if comıng through Diğor you're better off taking the new road rıght outside Diğor (not signposted to Ani but is immediately after the sign to Kars when heading NW out of Diğor).

Even more preferable is the road from Kars to Ani, a four lane highway that leads directly to Ani.

By thumb
If you're on a tight budget, you can try hitch-hiking from Kars. You will need to walk about 2 km out of Kars to the cross section where the road heads toward Ani. (There are sufficient street signs to find it.) There is limited traffic going in the direction of Ani, but eventually a local will stop for you. There is, of course, a matter of luck, but roughly 1 in 12 cars will give you a ride—don't hitch-hike if you're short on time, as it could take you four hours to get from Kars to Ani!

Get around

Entrance: 180 TL (Dec 2023), daily 08:00-17:00. Be sure to ask for a ticket, otherwise your money may never reach the government, and hence may not be used to improve Ani's conservation.

Ani covers a small area and is easily traversed on foot. In 2023 id was being checked just before entry to the site, perhaps because there was a large hole in the border fence.

See
Pinkish stone ruins of Armenian cathedrals, churches, homes, fortresses, and palaces float eerily across the desolate grassy landscape. Most of the well preserved Armenian churches date from the late tenth century to early eleventh century. The most distinctive is perhaps the church of Christ the Redeemer, split perfectly in half by lightning, but still standing. Additionally there are smaller structures, which were once homes, the remains of the cities castle walls, and a fortress overlooking the ruins. Other sites include the (relatively hard to find) ruins of a Zoroastrian fire temple and a small Ottoman fort. From the area near the fort, look carefully across the ravine to see a collection of Karst caves that once served as home to troglodytic Anatolians.

 * (As of October 2023, this structure is partly surrounded by scaffolding, you cannot go inside)
 * (As of August 2022, this structure cannot be viewed up close and is surrounded by scaffolding)
 * (As of August 2022, this structure cannot be viewed up close and is surrounded by scaffolding)
 * (As of August 2022, this structure cannot be viewed up close and is surrounded by scaffolding)
 * (As of August 2022, this structure cannot be viewed up close and is surrounded by scaffolding)
 * (As of August 2022, this structure cannot be viewed up close and is surrounded by scaffolding)
 * (As of August 2022, this structure cannot be viewed up close and is surrounded by scaffolding)
 * (As of August 2022, this structure cannot be viewed up close and is surrounded by scaffolding)
 * (As of August 2022, this structure cannot be viewed up close and is surrounded by scaffolding)
 * (As of August 2022, this structure cannot be viewed up close and is surrounded by scaffolding)

Do
It is worth scrambling up the rocky path to the fortress for excellent views of Ani, the river gorge, and the steppe rolling towards Armenia's mountains.

Eat and drink
There are limited choices so you might like to bring your own snacks. The Ani Cafe & Restaurant is a new eatery with clean western style bathroom facilities. There is also a little general store close to the main gates into Ani. There is a teahouse in the small village outside Ani, but absolutely do not forget to buy bottled water just before entering the site. The climate is very arid and seeing all the sites here will take a good deal of time; you will get badly dehydrated if you don't bring some water along. In winter, everything is closed, so be sure to bring food and water. There is a public toilet on the left of the main entrance.

Sleep
There are no accommodations in Ani, and there are only a smattering of homes surrounding it. The nearest major city is Kars, from which Ani is an easy day trip.

title: Ani


text:
Aniak

Aniak is a Central Yup'ik Eskimo village in Southwestern Alaska on the south bank of the Kuskokwim River, at the head of Aniak Slough. About 73% of the population here is American Indian and there were only 501 people living here according to the 2010 Census.

Get in
No roads connect to Aniak so you must travel by air or water. There are flights to Aniak (ANI) with Ryan Air to Holy Cross and Kalskag. Ravn Alaska operated many flights from Aniak. Unfortunately, they ceased operations in April 2020 due to coronavirus. You should try to contact your travel agency, or contact the airline.

Get around
Pretty much... walk.

title: Aniak


text:
Anina

Anina is a town in Caraș-Severin County, Banat, Romania.

Anina is located between Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park and Semenic-Cheile Carașului National Park.

Understand
Anina is located in the forested mountains of the same name, which represent the extension of the southern mountains of the Western Carpathians. The city is named after the Romanian word for alder (anin). It is predominantly a mining town that developed around coal mines. Unfortunately, after 1989, the town recorded a strong economic downturn. The first inhabitants of Anina were the Austrian settlers' families, who have reached the present territory of the city, founding the colony workers Steierdorf. In 1774, colonists from Austria were brought, and then a Slovak colony, counting already 300 inhabitants. In January 1945, local Germans are taken to be deported to forced labor in the Soviet Union. In 1952, this place acquires the status of city area, known as Anina. In 1996 the decline of mining begins, the mines being closed one by one.

By car

 * about 32 km from Reșița, on Route 58
 * 33 km from Oravița, on Route 57B
 * 34 km from Bozovici, on Route 57B

Hitchiking to and from Reșița is relatively simple. The place to wait in Reșița is the bus station near the Lidl supermarket.

By train
Given that a lot of people come to Anina to ride the Anina-Oravița railway, getting in by train is a natural choice. The train leaves Oravița at 11:15 and arrives in Anina at 13:05. It returns to Oravița at 13:30. (as of December 2014)

By bus
The bus schedule is subject to often changes and information is rarely posted on official sites such as www.autogari.ro. The information below is to give you a rough idea, please contact locals for the most up-to-date bus schedules!

 * from and to Reșița hourly minibuses between 08:00 and 15:00 leaving Reșița from the bus stop near Lidl. During the weekend, the schedule is rather random. The seem to only leave when there are enough people, which is almost never. Better hitchhike.
 * from and to Timișoara buses leave from Timișoara official bus stop (autogara) at 11:30 (arrives in Anina around 15:30); 13:30 (arrives in Anina around 17:30); 14:00 (arrives in Anina around 18:00). In Anina buses to Timișoara stop in the bus stops in the Center and the center of Steierdorf village. First bus leaves at 4:30 in the morning (arrives in Timisoara around 8:30); 5:30 (arrives in Timisoara around 9:30); 11:30 (arrives in Timisoara around 15:30)

Get around
The city is not so big and thus quite walkable, but a car is required to get around to all the sights and activities. On mountain routes, the best way to travel is, besides walking, using jeeps or off-road motorcycles.

In terms of administrative and urban planning, the city is organized into four main districts: - Anina - Steierdorf - Brădet district - New Town neighborhood

See

The mountains of Anina are formed 70% of karst rocks and the waters have carved various specific formations such as waterfalls, slopes, caves, gorges. Anina is linked to Oravița city by the oldest mountain railway in the country. Although tourism infrastructure is not up to acceptable standards, nearby there are a number of sites that deserve attention:

Events

 * Fasang party, every year in February
 * in 20 and 21 May, Anina days are celebrated, dedicated to the Orthodox cathedral. On this occasion, an outdoor celebration with Romanian folk music and fireworks is organized.
 * in June, the festival celebrates the Roman-Catholic church from Steierdorf, the famous KIRCHWEIH. Celebrating Kirchweih is a traditional event, with two distinct sides: a religious side, representing the anniversary of the consecration of the Holy Trinity church and a cultural side, organized by the German Democratic Forum, the City Council and City of Anina. This cultural-religious demonstration is intended to be an expression of cultural identity, language and port for the German minority Steierdorf - Anina. Also, there is the presentation of German folk from other parts of the Banat plain and mountain. Band playing traditional German marches in the area – the event message is the good agreement between the nationalities of the city Anina.
 * In October, the celebration of German Culture Decade in Banat and the Banat brass bands festival take place. It is a popular event, with concerts and vendors.

Buy
There are several small shops for daily shopping and a farmers' market.

Sleep
During the summer, Anina is a popular tourist destination.

Go next

 * go east on the Miniș valley to see the famous Bigăr waterfall (listed under Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park)
 * go west to Oravița
 * go to the south-west (via Oravița) to Sasca Montană, a gateway to the Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park

title: Anina


text:
Anjouan

Anjouan is an island of Comoros.

Cities

 * Mutsamudu
 * Domoni
 * Ouani
 * Sima
 * Moya

Understand
Anjouan is as much developed as Grand Comore, although most ladies dress in the traditional clothes with bright colours. It adds charms to every day scenes, and will make you jaw drop more than once. But please do not take pictures without asking first. Women will not feel pleased if you take snaps without asking, and yes, they notice.

Travellers tend to skip Anjouan, but if you like places that are off the beaten path, you should not miss it. The mountains and small villages on the island are waiting to be discovered.

By plane
Ouani Airport has daily flights from all the other islands in the archipelago. One way flight costs about €50, and tickets are sold in tourist agencies.

By boat
Travelling by boat to Grand Comore (Moroni) or Moheli (Fomboni) can be done either by speed boat or cargo boat.
 * Speed boat. Speed boats sail to Fomboni. For security reasons tourists are often banned from boarding in speed boats, in this case you must pay a police permit that allows you to get into it, it costs FC10.000. Always ask to see the boat and a lifevest.
 * Cargo boats. There weekly cargo boats heading to Moroni and Moheli, the schedule is not fixed so you have to ask at the port when the next boat will leave. Cargo boats are slower, they take overnight to reach Moheli and 10 hours to arrive in Moroni. Be aware that there are no beds, so passengers spend the night sleeping in a chair. Prices are the same as the speed boat, but police permit is not required. Always ask to see the vessel before buying the ticket.
 * Maria Galanta/SGTM has weekly boats to Mayotte and to Moroni. To Moroni boats leave every Saturday, it costs FC18.000 and the trip takes two hours. Trips to Mayotte costs €54 and the boat departs on Mondays.

Get around
There are plenty of buses in Anjouan heading every direction. As a general rule buses stop by sunset time, so the farther you go the sooner your bus will stop. Hitchhiking is also perfectly safe in Anjouan, tourist may be asked a tip for the ride, so if you do not intend to pay make it clear from the beginning.

Stay safe
Anjouan is a very calm and safe area. Solo female travellers feel safe walking in the street, no matter the time. Said that, time to time Anjouan experiences convulsing political strikes. During strikes periods being in Anjouan is no fun, always check the news before boarding to Anjouan.

Go next
Mayotte

Moheli

Grand Comore

title: Anjouan


text:
Anjuna

Anjuna is a popular beach in Goa, north of the beaches of Baga and Calangute, and close to the beaches of Vagator and Chapora. The nearest town is Mapusa, which is a few kilometres to the east.

By train
You have to get down at Mapusa train station: Thivim. Then the cheapest is to take the local bus to Mapusa bus station: Kadamba. - go out of the train station, across the parking, and along the road, if you don't see the bus, ask. Then in Kadamba, Just ask around where is the bus to Anjuna. It will cost you less than ₹10 to get to Anjuna from Mapusa by the sometimes crowded buses, or ₹350 by auto-rickshaw

By bus
You'll arrive near Kadamba, or depending on the bus company sometimes directly inside Kadamba.

Get around
You can either hire some transport or use the public transport, there's lots of choices available. For taxis, motorbike taxis and autorickshaws you can nearly always find some available near the main crossroads (Starco Junction) and it's best to negotiate the price before you get in.

By bicycles
It is possible to hire bicycles, usually without gears and somewhat dangerous to ride given the traffic. It's illegal to drive on the highway without a helmet as you'll probably be fined.

By hire motorbikes
A great way to get around is to hire scooters or motorbikes. On a daily basis which can range from ₹150 to ₹400, depending on what you hire. They may require a small deposit, but don't leave your passport, you can leave a photocopy if you are asked. Bikes are available easily, just ask the locals who own restaurants, and shacks. refrain from asking the locals who run road-side stalls or at flea markets. Also a good idea would be to ask the person at the reception at your hotel. If you're lucky, they can arrange one for you. If you do manage to get one please fill the tank to the fullest, as petrol pumps are far away from each other.

No one seems to wear helmets and the traffic can be busy especially in peak season. It's not a good place to learn how to ride a scooter or motorbike. You should have an international drivers licence to ride a bike. If you are going to go into Mapusa or Panaji find a helmet, the police will want a bribe (baksheesh) if you don't have one or an international license.

With a small scooter, it's wise not to go further than Arambol to the north, Mapusa inside land, and stop before the highway to Panaji to the south. If you have a decent scooter or bigger bike and a helmet you can travel almost anywhere in Goa, but drive carefully: dogs, goats, cows are wandering on the roads which are in some places falling apart.

The nearest petrol pump is near Vagator, to get there head north at Starco junction until you hit the main T junction at Vagator, turn right and head for about 2 km (1.2 mile) just past where the road merges with the main road into Chapora, the petrol pump is on your left, join the queue of waiting bikes.

Petrol is also available in one-litre bottles at most of the stores around Anjuna, although the price would be roughly 60% higher than from the gas station and also purity is hard to guarantee.

By local bus
These are very cheap and are a good way to get to other towns like Mapusa or Vagator but won't take you off the beaten track. There are many buses to Mapusa during the daytime. If you see one, just wave your hand and it will stop for you (price is less than ₹10). Otherwise you can wait at main crossing.

Almost all sleeper buses depart from Mapusa. you have to book your ticket from a travel agency, and get to the company office half an hour before departure time.

By motorcycle taxi
These are a Goan specialty: pay the driver and he'll take you where you want to go, probably the cheapest form of public transport after local buses. Most short trips cost around ₹100. You will find one at Starco Junction.

By auto rickshaw
The usual Indian autorickshaws are also available, cheaper than taxis more than motorbike taxis. Negotiate.

By taxi
The most expensive option but the best for getting further afield like the airport or if you want to visit Old Goa or the beaches in South Goa.

You'll find bikes and tourist vehicles willing to get you where you want for a price near a main crossing. They usually don't use a meter so be sure to agree on a price before you get in. You can ask at the place you stay, or in the garage where you rent your bike, they'll be happy to get a taxi for you, most of the time for a reasonable price.

By train
The nearest train station is Thivim a.k.a. Mapusa train station. As it is a dozen kilometres from Anjuna, you better go there by bus or taxi.

You will find many travel agencies in Anjuna where you can book plane, train or bus tickets, check schedule, confirm your flight, etc. one of the most reliable can be found on the post office street. From the main road, on the way to Mapusa, turn right between the 2 two-speed breakers, then go straight and you'll see a change rates sign on the right side of the road, the agency is on the right side.

See
Anjuna beach is to the west of the village with lot of restaurants and bars. Not really the most beautiful beach you can see in Goa, and not a quiet place (beware of the incidental skydiver landing on the beach, watch out for that infuriated cow), it is still possible to have good times there.

Anjuna Flea Market happens on Wednesdays and runs from morning till dawn. Go early if you want to hunt for bargains, take a rest at noon and come back when it's not as hot anymore. The market offers pretty much anything of what you can think of. Haggling is expected and failing to do so means missing out on the best part. After the flea market is over in the evening you can visit Cafe Looda for live performance by many musicians.

Apart from that there is not really much to see in Anjuna.

Do
In Anjuna, there is an ATM (see Money section).

It is possible to rent bikes, rooms, houses. You can also find many cyber cafes, such as at Nehal Travels and Manali Guest House. There is Manali Bookshop, restaurants with different kinds of food (Goan, Indian, continental, Israeli, Italian, French), small grocery shops, a convenience store (Oxford's Arcade), and 24/7 open restaurant (Munchies).

Beach
Anjuna Beach is to the south of the village with its usual lot of restaurants and bars. Not really the most beautiful beach you can see in Goa, and not really a quiet place (beware of the occasional skydiver landing on the beach, watch out for that one infuriated cow), but it's still possible to have good times there.

Nightlife
Anjuna is also the home of the most popular night club of Goa: Paradiso, and so despite the fact that they will try to charge some people with entrance fee (₹200 to ₹500) and not others. Most of the time the security service will prevent the locals to enter the club. even if it's worth going in once to enjoy the view, this is not the place where you want to go if you're looking for parties. Better go to nine bar or hilltop in Vagator and ask around for open-air parties.

There are nightclubs catering to western package tourists in Baga and Calangute to the south that are easy enough to get to by taxi.

Curlies This is definitely one of the best places in Goa during daytime for trance people, freaks and hippies. It is next to the Anjuna Flea Market place, on the extreme south of Anjuna beach.

Nice beach shacks playing psy trance & ambient in Curlies bar, and Israeli psy trance in some another beach shack 50 m further to the south. @curliesparty is on Twitter.

Outdoor parties
Anjuna is famous for its parties, however they are increasingly being discouraged by the authorities, you may be unlucky and not find any while you are here due to the police stopping them, you may want to try Arambol further north. As many business owners complain about plunging visitor numbers, the next government (and season) might allow more parties.

Places to find parties near Anjuna are at the beach. If there's one when you're around, be sure to go to one of the famous full moon parties, or one of the less known black moon parties.

You can spot where the parties are by looking for the flickering lights of the "chai ladies" on the beach. They always congregate where the parties are happening, and the flames from their kerosene lamps are a great signpost.

Best idea is to go to Nine Bar in Vagator and ask around.

Buy

 * Fashion showroom Miriam Strehlau - The showroom of the designer is just behind the shore bar and offers the opportunity to purchase limited editions and customized pieces besides the actual collections as well as home accessories artwork. Characteristic for the design is the fusion of contemporary and tradition style. A mix of innovative materials, sustainable fabrics and handcrafted Indian textiles.
 * Ingos Saturday Night Market - This one is a must-go, more diversity in the shops, good quality items, food stands but also usually more crowded. Many foreigners have businesses in the market. It's on the way to Arpora from Anjuna. You can also find some smaller night markets around, some are worth spending some time inside, others aren't. Ingos is on the other side of the new road bridge just north of Siolim. Many of the Westerner stall holders are at Mackies.
 * Mackies Saturday Night Bazaar - This Goan run night-market is north of the river at Baga, to get there follow the windy road that heads south from Oxford Stores until the T junction at Baga river, the entrance is just across the road to the left. Indian store-holders are concentrated in the first section, in the middle is a large bandstand with live music which seems to consist of popular covers. Beer for sale. Past the bandstand are the westerners stalls and the food stalls.
 * Osama - A boutique that stocks some hip shirts and accessories that is quite exclusive. They also have branches in Baga on Tito's Lane and in Arambol on the main road leading to the beach.
 * Roadside and Beach Stalls - It's impossible to miss these, you will be hounded by their owners saying 'come look my shop' at every opportunity. They have some good textiles and tee-shirts but mostly have the same items and there's much more choice at the markets. If you bargain hard you can get things for a good price but you may find the experience a bit draining.
 * Wednesday Flea Market - On the way to the beach by main road, you'll cross the Wednesday flea market location. The Anjuna flea market is attracting so many people from all north Goa every Wednesday that the traffic becomes a problem in south Anjuna. if you're going with a 2-wheeler you'll have to pay a few rupees for parking. Inside the market, you'll find all the shops that are on the streets the rest of the week and some more. be careful not to be fooled by the sellers who will tell you that it's not even their cost price or that they can sell it to someone else for 3 or 4 times the price you want. If you plan to open your own shop in the flea market, it will cost you ₨100.

Money
There are three ATMs in Anjuna now right next to Dominoes Pizza: AXIS bank, HDFC bank & Kotak Mahindra. This is as you enter Anjuna from Baga side on the way to Starcos. There is also a Corp bank ATM on the road that connects to Vagator/Chapora from Starcos junctions.

Drink
Alcohol is cheaper all over Goa and is more freely available than most other places in the country, due to the relaxed taxes.

Beer is very common and is available from nearly all restaurants (German bakery is an exception) and many stores.

 * Carlsberg and Budweiser are also quite popular and easily available in and around Anjuna.
 * Fosters from Australia is also fairly common.
 * King's, a pilsner specific to Goa, as opposed to Kingfisher which is an Indian lager.
 * Kingfisher is the most common beer in Anjuna. It is available in large and small bottles, a large bottle usually costs ₹50-70 in a restaurant.

Good quality wine is not common in India and is generally not as good value as beer. Some restaurants especially the more expensive ones serve wine by the bottle or the glass. Bottles of wine can be purchased at Oxford Stores (just north of Starco Junction).

Although not as common as in the rest of the state, Fenny—a locally distilled liquor—is easily available in Anjuna. There are two varieties—from the Cashew fruit and the Coconut fruit. The Cashew Fenny is a hit with the locals but will leave quite a taste and smell in the mouth.

Regular spirits, like whiskey, rum, and vodka, are readily available at fairly decent prices.

Sleep
There are many different places to stay in Anjuna (from hotel with swimming pool, to a room inside the family house), you'll find hotels, houses, and rooms almost everywhere, you just have to walk the streets with your backpack/luggage, and you'll be offered rooms.

Prices vary depending on the comfort, the commodities, the season, the duration of your stay, and your ability to bargain. To get cheaper prices, you should look in the south part, especially in St. Anthony's church area.

 * La Casita Cottages: - Road Opp. Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Shop
 * Martha's Breakfast Home. If budget is not a problem, this is a nice and friendly place to stay on the way to flea market.
 * Villa Anjuna (on the road from StarCo Corner to Paradiso) is an excellent place to stay, but is slightly on the expensive side. Double A/C room would cost you ₹1000 or more per night, but the facilities are worth it. It is very safe, they have security 24 hours, the restaurant is also open 24 hours and the staff are really nice and friendly. The owner is also a very nice and polite man. The swimming pool area is really nice and clean and a good place to meet nice people.
 * Martha's Breakfast Home. If budget is not a problem, this is a nice and friendly place to stay on the way to flea market.
 * Villa Anjuna (on the road from StarCo Corner to Paradiso) is an excellent place to stay, but is slightly on the expensive side. Double A/C room would cost you ₹1000 or more per night, but the facilities are worth it. It is very safe, they have security 24 hours, the restaurant is also open 24 hours and the staff are really nice and friendly. The owner is also a very nice and polite man. The swimming pool area is really nice and clean and a good place to meet nice people.

Corrupt police
Around Anjuna/Vagator you may have encounter some corrupted policemen (or pretending to be policemen) trying to scare you to get bakshish. From illegal drug possession to driving without helmet/license, they will try to charge you with almost everything, even threatening to hit you with a bamboo stick. Their catchphrase is "if you help me, I will help you" and they ask you to help them with ₹500 to ₹5000. This kind of encounter is not very common, but you have to be aware it may happen almost anywhere (not inside restaurants, parties nor on the beach)

Robbery
There have been some cases of robbery in Anjuna, its best to not walk alone at night or to walk in out of the way places. Also keep your rooms locked there are thefts from rooms.

Traffic
Traffic can be heavy and chaotic in Anjuna especially on market day and in the peak season. Inexperience, drinking, drugs are issues to be aware of. Potholed roads, cows and dogs, speeding buses, lack of helmets, speed and inexperienced westerner motorbike riders are all hazards to contend with. Its perhaps not the best place to learn to ride here. It may be wise to know where medical help is available.

Mosquitoes
If you are staying a long time, a mosquito net is worth having. You can buy fancy ones at the markets or the German bakery. Oxford stores has ones for ₹450 and you can get them from the fabric shops near the Mapusa Market for ₹300 or bring one from home.

Scams
Beware of gem scams. These people hang around Anjuna and the surrounding cities and become your friend for a few days. Then they ask if you want to do business with them for their jewelry export business, and offer you a large amount of money to transport jewelry in your name to whatever country you're from as to save them taxes and such. They say that you will spend no money but somewhere along the line you'll have to cough up what they want. Research online for more details, but if you feel doubtful then don't do business.

Go next

 * Arambol - A traditional fisherman village in northern Goa. Location of Arambol Beach.
 * Chapora - Coastal village, location of Chapora Fort and Chapora beach.
 * Mapusa - Agrarian community close to many beaches in northern Goa. Site of the popular Mapusa Friday Market.
 * Panaji - Capital city of Goa
 * Vagator - Small village with the popular Vagator beach.

title: Anjuna


text:
Ankapur

Ankapur is a small self-sufficient, progressive model village located in Armoor Mandal, Nizamabad District, Telangana, India. The village is 400 years old and is located on eastern side of the National Highway 16 connecting Nizamabad with Jagdalpur (CHG) also near to the National Highway (NH7) connecting Hyderabad and Nagpur. It lies at an elevation of 404 m above sea level. It receives an annual rainfall of about 1100 mm and experiences a subtropical climate.

This village is considered as one of the model villages in the country due to an overall development in general and agricultural development in particular. It is recognized as a model village by the International Rice Research Institute, Manila, Philippines.

The total geographical area is 880 ha (2205 acres). According to 2001 decennial census the total population of the village is 6066. There are 20 castes in the village.

Understand
Ankapur village has been recognized as a model village by International Rice Research Institute, Manila, Philippines for outstanding achievements in agricultural development. Besides cultivating commercial crops and vegetables on a large scale, the local farming communities have been raising various crops for seeds in preference to cereals and traditional crops of food grains. The farmers grow bajra and sorghum for seed production followed by maize and turmeric. The Peasant Association of the village coordinates, organizes and controls various agricultural development programmes.

Get in
There are plenty of buses from Hyderabad to Armoor (4 hours).

From Armoor you can go to Ankapur by auto (Armoor to Ankapur - 5 km).

See

 * Ankapur Gadi - fort converted to a high school
 * Ankapur Gandhi Chowk - commercial and business area
 * Ankapur Sri Hanuman Temple
 * Gram Panchayath Building - government building
 * Market Yard
 * Mutyualamma Temple
 * Nizam Sagar Canal

Do

 * Visit seed processing plants.
 * Visit the agricultural fields in the village.

Buy

 * Ankapur Maize Corn

Eat

 * Ankapur chicken - a brand cuisine (country hen chicken curry). The tastiest chicken curry (country hen) which is available only in Ankapur. This has been popular for 30 years. This brand has become popular all over Andhra Pradesh, in UAE and in the USA.

Drink

 * Eetha kallu (palm wine)
 * Thati Kallu (strong palm wine)

title: Ankapur