Galway Advertiser 2005/2005_08_18/GA_1808_E1_028.pdf 

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28 F E A T U R E S

GALWAY ADVERTISER

August 18 2005

HOLIDAY SPECIALS
Tour Poland
Eblana Travel is offering you the opportunity to travel to Poland on a fully escorted eight day tour which departs Dublin on Friday October 14. The itinerary consists of a visit to Krakow where you can enjoy a sightseeing and walkabout tour in the old town with its narrow cobbled streets, historic churches, mansions, and spectacular Market Square. You will also visit Zakopane, nestled at the foot of the spectacular Tatra Mountains, the winter sports capital of Poland. Here you can visit Auschwitz, the notorious death camp where millions of innocent people lost their lives. Returning to Krakow the tour will stop in Wadovice for a short visit to the birthplace of Pope John Paul 11 and home of his early youth. Cost is 790 per person plus tax and insurance. Single supplement is 25 per night. To book this tour contact Mary Concannon at Eblana Travel on (091) 766802.

BREAK-AWAY
TRAVEL WITH JENNIFER HOUGH

Cuba: A way of life soon to be no more?
Fidel Castro turned 79 last weekend so time to visit the real Cuba might be running out. While the formidable leader is showing no sign of going anywhere just yet, it surely can't be too long before communist Cuba is overrun with Americans, (regular US citizens are currently not allowed to visit Cuba) something that will happen only over Castro's dead body. While it was not always the most popular of holiday destinations the world is now beginning to realise what Cuba has to offer, and that it does not pose any threat to the average tourist (violent crime in Cuba is almost nonexistent). Although it lies in the heart of the Carribean, its politics, as the West's only communist regime, have meant that while it is the largest Carribean island, it is also the least commercialised. For this reason alone, along with the romantic notions of a land that time forgot, Cuba is now an attractive holiday option. Perfect for the independent traveller it is a island that should be explored and savoured in contrast to the usual Carribean experience of lying on a sun-drenched beach. Brimming with diverse scenery, wildlife, colonial cities, great music, white sandy beaches, and fascinating people, Cuba is a unique experience, and a very alternative Caribbean.

Caribbean cruise
Cruise the seas for 14 nights on this Orlando and western Caribbean cruise. Departing on August 28, costing 1,115 per person, price includes return flights from Dublin to Sanford, seven nights at The Quality Inn International, Orlando, and seven nights full board on the four star ship, Mariner of the Seas. Ports of Call: Port Canaveral, Florida; Labadee, Hispaniola; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Port Canaveral, Florida For further information contact Martina Forde Travel on 091 566866

What to do
Havana is a stimulating hub with cobbled alleyways The old streets, and cars of Havana. to explore, truly friendly people, politics and recent discover how cigars are really made! Another excellent revolutionary history. It is a must with its vibrant trip is one to Cueva del Indio, Vinales Valley, a large cave population and endless entertainment, including home which was once inhabited by local Indians and you can grown music, dance, ballet, and cinema not too mention still see their markings on the rocks. The best part is a the huge finned American cars from the 1950s chugging boat ride across an underground lake in the cave. A along the streets, but the countryside of Cuba must also great way to see the beautiful Cuban countryside is on horseback, where you'll get a real appreciation of the be seen to be believed. Cuba's backcountry and beaches are perfect chillout lush green fields and red ochre earth. destinations for hikers, swimmers, cyclers, or those who just want to smoke a fine cigar under a palm tree. Best time to go Around Havana alone you can spend a beach day in the The dry season is from November to the end of April. crystal blue waters off Veradero, snorkelling or taking May can often be a good time to go as it is the end of the boat rides to explore the reefs. Nearby are the Bellamar season and much quieter but it is very hot and humid. caves with classic stalagtite and stalagmite formations The rainy season starts at the beginning of June through in these nifty limestone caves.Visit a cigar factory in to October. It does not rain all day but often clouds over Pinar del Rio and meet the people who make them, it's a at lunchtime and there are downpours in the afternoon. good way to learn about the history of Cuba while you There is a risk of hurricane during August, September, and October in the Caribbean. Get there soon "If I have lived many years, that's because I played a lot of sport. I climbed mountains, which is good for the heart," Castro said last week. But at 79 the future cannot be certain. Cuba is relatively free of commercialism, it must be a miracle that there are no McDonald's there, and this is one of the factors that make it such an interesting place to visit. But for the people there things are tough, even though some would argue their way of life is being preserved. Who knows what will happen after Castro dies, one thing's for sure, with the Florida Keys only 90 miles north, Cuba as it is now will be under serious threat. Some might say it's progress, others will no doubt disagree, hopefully it will be left up to the Cubans themselves to decide. But get there soon, just in case...

WEATHER
THURSDAY
Sunny spells will develop at first. The afternoon will be bright with sunny spells, but with a risk of showers. Gentle north-west winds. Max temp 18-19C (64-66F).

SATURDAY
Cloudy at times with patchy drizzle.

15
Clifden
19

18

10
Tuam
17

High Tide in Galway
Thursday August 18 Friday August 19 Saturday August 20 Sunday August 21 Monday August 22 Tuesday August 23 Wednesday August 24 04.40 05.31 06.16 06.58 07.40 08.22 09.04 16.54 17.42 18.27 19.11 19.54 20.38 21.23

SUNDAY
Breezy and mainly cloudy with rain.

MONDAY
Sunny spells, but with showers.

FRIDAY
Another bright day with some sunshine at times. There will also be banks of cloud, with a few morning showers. Moderate north-west winds. Max temp 19-20C (66-68F).
Information supplied by PA Weather Centre

GALWAY
Ballinasloe

Phases of the Moon
Full Moon

TUESDAY
Unsettled and windy with rain at times.

15
19

Galway ship movements

WEDNESDAY
Turning drier with some sunshine.

Noon Thursday

12

Three tankers dock this week -- the Crescent Connemara and Orahope arrive tomorrow (Friday) while on Saturday, the Activity docks at the port.