SARASOTA and her islands, beaches and facilities are world class. A cultural hub of the ‘Rich and famous’ – Politicians past and present, Artists and Musicians, Media Moguls and many more luminaries visit the islands from mainland Florida to speak, perform or attend cultural events. As part of a premier Resort area the Islands have excellent infrastructure, access from the mainland via the Ringling Bridge and waterways.

With more than a dozen beaches and keys to choose from, the islands are a ‘beach comber or loungers’ dream. Siesta, Longboat, Lido and Casey Keys and seven other island (Keys) offer many venues for fine dining and wining. Over four million visitors annually, testifies to the magical attractions that lure tourists, corporate meetings and weddings & functions to the ambiance of ocean, pristine beaches and sumptuous hotel and resort locations, and within the County, more than one thousand golf tees to choose from.

In October alone are more than a dozen Festivals to celebrate; Pumpkin, Latino, Hungarian foods and music of Jazz, Blues and for kids and parents the enjoyable Halloween, haunted House and Shark-fest. The Cultural Fests offer Arts and Crafts, Oceanic Evening, Ballet and Opera and Waterfront Pub Crawl to cruise the ‘Watering Holes’ in style.

Not for nothing has Sarasota been named “The best small city in the USA”.

Tourists today are unaware of the thousands of years of occupation by the (now extinct) Colusa Indians, except for remnants in the local museum. The largest of the “Ten Thousand Islands of the Everglades”, modern tourist facilities have spread yet maintained much of the indigenous Everglades and pristine beaches.

As a consequence of the abundant natural resources, the Colusa Indians had the opportunity to develop a much greater social and political complexity and a larger population density than is typical of hunters and gatherers.

Tourists and holiday makers, the new breed of ‘Hunter – gatherers’ now explores, experience and enjoys the comfort and natural beauty that has been preserved. Magnificent beaches, high-rise apartments with stunning views, quaint inns, much to do – boating facilities to cruise, fish or visit the thousands of islands with their marine, birdlife and wildlife in the unique Everglades environment, laze away on the beach or compete on the golf course.

Tourists are entertained by events specific to the area – Arts and Crafts, Marine Festivals, Cultural Events and Annual National and State Festivals. Restaurants offer the finest of sea and other foods and night life entertainment.

If you want satisfying activity or simply rest and relaxation this jewel among the everglade islands will lure you back, again and again.

GOODLAND ISLAND – is even smaller and with hardly 400 permanent residents one may be tempted to pass on without more than a glance – a big mistake. This sleepy fishing haven bursts to life over week ends and festival days.

Live Bands, Theme Parties, Hog Roasts, Games, Music, Dancing and Beer, liven up the island for thousands of visitors – and the sleepy cats and dogs desert the streets to find solace elsewhere while the people ‘live it up’. Antique and Art shops, many with resident artists open their doors wide to the flood of visitors as do the Fishing Tackle Shops, Charter Boats and Sea-side Restaurants.

After the week-end the ‘lemming run’ of visitors return to their homes. The Island takes a deep breath and readies itself for the next week-end flood of humanity. Cool place to go to!

NIAS ISLAND and SIMEULUE islands of INDONESIA is quite dissimilar, except for some things in common, the great Tsunami in 2004, subsequent Earthquakes and a long standing ‘heaven for Surfers’.

Nias Island is considerably larger, with an economy and population (+ – 800,000) to match. It has therefore suffered proportionally much more than its distant south western neighbor, in structural, human and economic damage. Part of a chain of islands along the west coast of Sumatra, it was part of a flourishing tourist industry related to its International Surfing Competitions, and other mixed economies. Long known for its diversity of Festivals and Celebrations, mostly dating back to prehistorically island cultures, in which women feature predominantly to ‘wow’ tourists with their song and dances.

Their building constructions are also suited to the region, standing high on stilts, they are mostly safe from normal storms but unfortunately no type of building is ‘shock proof’ to the new intensity of earthquakes, the large tsunamis and tectonic plate movements below the seas, recently experienced. With the help of various UN and NGO organizations the Island has made remarkable recovery, an ongoing process.

Simuelue Island , tiny in comparison has a much smaller population of about (80,000) and suffered only some structural damage and no loss of life due to a remarkable ‘cultural memory’ whereby the previous serious disasters (1907) were imprinted and passed on to following generations, preparing them to instinctively seek high ground and thereby saving all human life. This virtually autonomous island is gearing up, albeit on a small scale, to encourage ‘Surf and Sea Tourists’ to equally exotic seaside locations, unspoilt natural forests and underwater marvels. It is only accessible by small aircraft, or small boats, which gives it exclusivity not found on other similar islands.

Seychelles Achipelago has become a tourist’s legend before and ever since the famous South African artist Wren Sergeant (and others) displayed his stunning Impressionist art in the early 1960’s. The islands landscapes, seascapes and its indigenous peoples featured strongly in his brilliant works. Capturing the brilliant colors in dawn and sunsets has lured many an artist and photographer since. Naturally development followed close on the heels of the first ‘adventure tourists’ and today three of the major islands have a fine infrastructure to please the most discerning of tourists.

The two groupings of islands consist of the Inner and the Outer islands.

Of the 43 Inner islands, 3 of the major destinations or stepping stones to visit the surrounds are Mahe’, Praslin and La Digue.

Mahe’ hosts an International Airport at the Capital of Victoria and a Port and the majority of the population of about 72,000 persons. The 28 x 8km island is also the transportation hub to visits elsewhere in this vast area of many smaller islands. I0 large Resort Hotels and over 65 smaller Hotels, B&B’s and Self-catering businesses provide accommodation for many thousands of monthly visitors. Other services available in the three major islands are; Boat tours & hiring’s, Dive sites, fishing for ‘Big Game’, Scenic Drives, Walks and guided tours and Horse Riding or cycling.

Praslin is about 40km2 and is renown for its UNESCO – World Heritage Site, the ‘Valle’e de Mer’ where the unique and extra large, feminine,  ‘Coco de Mer’ fruit originates, and two of the ‘Top Ten Beaches of the World’! The history of harboring 18th Century Pirates and the founder by the French, ‘Duc de Praslin’ add spice to an already exotic location. A small port and airport offer access to the surrounding archipelago. Accommodation is catered for by over 50, large and small Hotels, Guest houses and self-catering enterprises. Other attractions are Art Galleries, Specialty Shops and Museum.

La Digue has a small population of only about 2,000 on the 10km2 island. It is home to some of the rarest and indigenous birds in the world, forests and exotic flora – almonds, vanilla, takamaka and coconuts and stunning beaches, diving and snorkeling opportunities. The small harbor offers a shuttle to surrounding islets and great fishing opportunities.

Outer Islands – the 72 are widespread – as far as 1,000km from Mahe’ and consist mainly of cays and outcrops. Alphonse and Desroches are the only two offering accommodation, sailing, fishing and diving – A sailing explorers dream.

Events – The monthly calendar is full of events and competitions during the cooler months from April to November. August 2009 has the Catholic Celebrations, Boat, Sail and Wind Surfing races, and Fishing Competitions. September has the Indian Religious Celebrations and Tourism Day. October has a Diving Competition and cultural – Festival Kreal. November hosts the great Marlin Tournament. December seems slumber time. January 2010 opens with a Marathon and February with a French cultural ‘Fete’, and a Rotary Fishing Competition. April introduces the Arts Festival of local visual delights. New, May, June and July activities are still to be announced. I can’t wait to hear – as these are some of the best (cooler) months to visit.

Cyprus is a jewel in the Mediterranean Sea. As a historical ‘cross roads’ it has been overrun by invaders, defenders and settlers since time immorial. The latest flood of invaders is more benign -tourists come in their droves to experience the beauty of the Island, the seas, the historical sites and in the South, the Greek Culture and Cuisine. The disputed Turkish North has converted or demolished most of the old medieval structures and Coptic Christian Churches, and redeveloped villages.  Although cross border visits are not officially encouraged, it is possible to cross for a day visit and to find the border guards on both sides quite friendly and accommodating to tourists. (After all why not be proud of your country!).

Cyprus is famous for its Christian history pertaining to the visits by Apostles Paul and Barnabas and accompanied by Mark, who converted the then Roman Consul, thereby becoming the first country to governed by  Christian in 45 AD and leaving a strong Coptic Christian cultural heritage  still overlaying the ancient Greek and Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman occupations. Further back in time, some twelve centuries BC, is the famous ‘love cult’ of Aphrodite’s. Cypriots still consider their Island State, “The Love Island” – the ideal island for a romantic visit, weddings and honeymoons.

The capital of Nicosia (Lefkosia) despite being a ‘divided city’ between Turkish occupied north and Greek south still retains the magical Old City, museums, ancient churches and buildings that preserve the atmosphere of medieval days on the one hand and a rapidly expanding  modern European capital, business hub and cultural center, on the other.

Larnaka has the major International  Airport and secondary sea port as well as the remains of the ancient city-kingdom of Kiton, Mycenaean Greek fort, Castle, Museums and ecologically important Salt Lake- stopover for thousands if migratory birds, and delightful promenade of shady palms. Close to the north-eastern border of Turkish occupied territory lie the premier resort towns of Agia Napa and Protaras – with miles of golden sandy beaches and a paradise of safe, shallow, and crystal clear waters and  charming rural villages.

Lemesos (Limassol), “the city of merriment” derives it s sobriquet from its surrounding vineyards and famous wine festivals in September and carnival parades before Easter. As an important business and tourism center it has world class hotels and entertainment venues and many historic sites and museums to visit. (Where King Richard 1st married Berengaria of Navarre, in 1191)

Pafos on the south-western seaboard with its natural beauty, modern infrastructure and International Airport, is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Where the cult of Aphrodite (Goddess of love) flourished and with so many ancient sites it’s included in UNESCO’s list of ‘cultural and natural treasures’ list.

The spectacular Troodos Mountains in the center of the island bulges up to 1,952 meters peaking at Mount Olympos. The area is famous for its natural beauty, vineyards; charming villages, ancient churches and ‘cool, pine scented air’ and many hiking trails.

Exploring and getting around is best done by rented car or motor cycle; – there are daily busses between major towns, rural busses connecting villages to towns and ‘urban busses’ operate in summer, in certain tourist areas, and intercity shared-taxis connecting all major towns every half hour.(Weekends and Sundays may be limited).

Virtually every city, town or village has an archaeological site, monastery, medieval churches, and museums filled with ancient artifacts and mind boggling collections, some modern and most dating back many millennia. Overshadowing all this is the main attraction of the magnificent Mediterranean climate; sunny skies, sparkling seas, natural beauty and dozens of sun soaked beaches. All this encourages water sports from swimming, fishing, diving to boating, sailing and cruising around the island. On land area plethora of touring routes, hiking and biking trail off road experience, rock climbing to light aircraft flips and naturally, golf courses and other organized sporting activities.

Of course no visitor can resist the mouth watering culinary experiences on offer and wine tastings of some of the most ancient and modern cultivars available. There are cosmopolitan foods from all over the world and then there are the special local delights from the gourmet to the plain and simply delicious fresh produce of olives, salads, cheeses, meats, citrus fruits and succulent sea foods. From the street stall and some restaurants come the local, juicy ‘gyros’, ‘souvlakia’ and ‘sheftalia’ served in hot pita bread, or the traditional feast of ‘Meze’ – a huge gastronomic experience with a huge menu of traditional foods, best shared with family and friends. For the family and kids are many entertainment Theme Parks at the major cities. Adult entertainment with nightlife from the traditional to the most modern music and live shows expected anywhere, and local festivals fill the calendar.

• Summer Festivals from June to September fill the daily calendar of events but to highlight some of the most traditionally famous are as follows;
• January 6th, Epiphany – The first major religious celebration of the year, held in all Greek Orthodox churches, throughout the island. Ceremonially on the coast – a large cross is thrown in the water, to bless it.
• Akamas Festival, early in the year – (Paphos Aphrodite Festival) – a series of musical events, from classical to jazz, with musicians in concert, from all over Europe.
• Carnival Fests take place in towns across the Island, with colorful and extravagant floats.
• Green Monday – the beginning of lent – 50 days before Easter – where popularly, families picnic in the country on meatless and dairy free, vegetables and sea foods.
• Anthestiria – Flower Festival, to celebrate the onset of spring, with lavishly flower decorated floats in some major towns and villages.
• Greek Orthodox Easter – Festivities begin Friday and enact Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, traditionally followed by a family bowl of soup at home.
• Kataklysmos – (Pentacost) ‘Festival of the Flood’ – celebrating Noah’s deliverance – with traditional dancing, games, fun and entertainment in all seaside towns.
• Shakespearean Festival – June is the time when ‘the Bards’ works are enjoyed for three consecutive days, in the ancient, outdoors theatre of Kourion, under the stars.
• Ancient Greek Drama Festivals are celebrated in July and August in Kourion, Pafos, Agai Napa, Lanaka and Paralimni.
• September in Cyprus is time for the (Lemesos) two week extravaganza Wine Festival – with every evening to enjoy music, dance, snacks and ‘barrels of free wine’!
• Pafos Aphrodite Festival –where opera is performed in the open air at the harbor.
• Kypria International Festivals – from September to November and are major cultural events of music, dance, drama and art, held in all the major towns.
• Christmas and New Year – like elsewhere in the world, is celebrated in style, with church services, lavish meals, presents and all night New Year celebrations.

To corrupt a phrase, “So much to do, so little time” sums up a visit to Cyprus, an ‘Everlasting Island’.

Once shipping pirates paradise, the Bahamas have become more sophisticated, diversifying into hotels, casinos for the tourist trade and a financial refuge from (over) taxation. The tourists flock willingly to be ‘fleeced’ in the casinos and to enjoy the magnificent Island lifestyle.

Consisting of over 2000 cays and 700 islands, this tiny (British Commonwealth) nation has produced some of the world’s best men and women track and field athletes at the most recent (1996-2008) Olympic Games.  The geography of the Bahamas diverse and scattered islands lends itself to sailing as a major sport and economic necessity for fishermen.

Traditional foods have their annual festivals; The Pineapple fest and the Crab fest are some that have rural cultural roots. Boxing Day and New Years day are some of the most celebrated in streets of the capital of Nassau with Junjanoo (John Canoe) parades of exotic costume, dance and (goombay) music. Music by drums, cowbells, horns, conches, bugle, and more recently introduced brass instruments has its own unique sound complementing the foot shuffling dance routine of distant African origin. Dozens of Bands and Dance groups now compete for the numerous prizes in different categories, adding new spice and flavour to every event.

Presently the Bahamas have a highly sophisticated tourism industry, consisting of major hotels, casinos, travel agencies with events management, flights, vacation tours, car hire and shipping arrangements in and around major and minor islands in this archipelago.  Long Island alone has three distinct zones. In the north are the magnificent cays with panoramic sea views. In the central areas are the rocky outcrops with the sea foaming through. In the south are miles of unspoilt beachfront surrounded by verdant dune forest.

Grand Bahamas Island has fine resorts, national parks, international bazaar, golf, theme parks and the ports of Lucaya and Freeport.

New Providence Island is home to the major city of Nassau, with a natural harbour for cruise ships to the region. Major attractions are Parliament buildings, Fort Fincastle, Lighthouse, Atlantis Hotel  (on paradise island), Ardastra gardens Zoo, Flying Fish fountain, underwater Aquarium, Cloisters and Public Library, to name only a few.

Seven of the Outer Islands have their own groupings of satellite islands, each with its own attractions of national parks and reserves, villages, museums, bays, cays, features and islands to delight the adventurous visitor.

Summing up the Bahamas Islands in a few words is difficult. Tropical Islands of unsurpassed beauty and variety. World class Tourist orientated infrastructure. Facilities from luxurious best to go-it-alone enthusiasts. Own unique culture. The subtropical summer climate of hurricanes is best avoided and the winter months provide the best weather for enjoying the perfect island holiday.