L.A Beaches Online

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA

The Gold Coast is the holiday playground for Austrlians and overseas tourists. It offers beautiful beaches, wonderful weather and great activities for adults and children.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBsRI-242oM

The Gold Coast is situated in the south east corner of Queensland, Australia with the Pacific Ocean stretching along its amazing coastline. You can see the map of the Gold Coast at the following link: View Larger Map

The Gold Coast has a subtropical climate and the sun shines 80 pecent of the year. The winters are extremely mild and the summers.

The centre of the Gold Coast is Surfer’s Paradise which has the famous Surfer’s Paradise Beach. There are a number of excellent restaurants and shopping centres on the Gold Coast. Pacific Fair, Australia Fair and Harbour town offer wonderful shopping opportunities.

The city is a tourist city with lots of fun family activities. There are theme parks such as Sea World, Movie World, Dream World and Wet ‘n Wild. At Sea world they have a dolphin family adventure programme. You can go on rides and you can see seals and the polar bear as well as other marine life.

The night life is also really good with a number of popular night clubs like the Bedroom and Titanium bar which are located in Surfer’s Paradise.

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The Gold Coast International Hotel and Surfer Paradise is one of Australia’s top venues. It is commonly called the GCI and despite its rather grand sounding name, it proved to be a friendly and relaxing place. The hotel is amazing but the surrounding area is unique. Nowehere else in the world will you see animals and plants like those in this part of Australia.

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LOCATION

This 5* (listed as 4 or 4.5* in some places) is among the best I have stayed in. It is located 30 kilometres from Coolanguta and is a fabulous location not only for surfers, but also for families and couples. The main commercial centre is just half a kilometre away, so that’s handy if you are there on business.

The beach is only fifty metres away and easily reached on foot and what a beach. If you have ever watched and longed for those golden Australian beaches shown on Australian soaps, this is it in real life. I could just imagine the cast of Home and Away, or Neighbours having a ‘barbie’ down there. My partner failed to see why I should think this and pointed out that none of those soaps are true to life. Talk about bursting my bubble, but he did agree that the beach was amazing.

ROOMS

Rooms are luxurious and comfortable and we opted for a beach view which meant that we could see the whole panorama of the fabulous Gold Coast Beach. There are 296 rooms in this hotel and not all face the sea. There was a choice between Ocean View, Mountain View, or Executive Ocean Spa Suite. These are all priced accordingly.

The room looks and feels spacious and cool, which was a good thing because it was very hot. My partner had advised that December might be too hot in the Brisbane area but I wasn’t going to be put off that easily. Air conditioning is really vital when it’s 30 degrees plus outside. Facilities in the room included everything you might expect from a hotel of this standard. TV, internet, iron and shaver point are all available and the bathroom was spacious and cool feeling.

FACILITIES

The hotel facilities are excellent and well maintained. The gymnasium, pool, spa, sauna and tennis court are perfect for those who like to active but I preferred to have a leisurely drink, or browse the speciality shops inside the hotel.

There are 4 international restaurants to choose from and the fare offered ranges from local fish, right through to more complex dishes from all over the world.

There is also a range of conference rooms which cater for weddings, functions and business meetings.

SERVICE

The service here is excellent. Staff were friendly and happy to do anything they could to make your stay a pleasant one. I had the feeling that they were proud of their hotel and wanted everything to work to plan. Reception staff were particularly helpful when we were enquiring about local transport and places to visit. We ended up with a list of restaurants, bars, etc that were off the main streets and not geared to tourists. So, we were able to eat very cheaply during the day time.

COST

Rooms here cost from about £72 and £189 per night for two people but there are discounts available and, depending on the time of year, it is possible to book some excellent deals direct with the hotel. If you are thinking about staying here just search for their website and contact them directly, you will be surprised how much you can save.

We found our deal on Sky Holidays and ended up paying just £553 (plus airfares, of course) for 7 nights in a sea view room.

VERDICT

This is a luxury hotel and well worth the money. It is clean, modern, friendly and has everything you could need. Staff are friendly which makes all the difference in a hotel.

The location is excellent and although we are not surfers, we enjoyed watching the sea and walking along walkway by the beach. The whole place is friendly and welcoming and I would not hesitate to book this hotel again, or to recommend it to anyone else.

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Noosa is at the Northern end of a strip of golden beaches known as the City of Sunshine Coast, Australia.  This paradise is blessed with many protected beaches spread out along the headland which itself is part of the protected Noosa National Park, containing native flora and fauna of the region.  Winter in Australia is from June to August, and summer is from December to February.  Getting to Noosa is a very easy journey, just you follow these steps:

            Arrange your trip for the best time.  Remember Noosa, is in South-Eastern Queensland and gets temperatures ranging from 63-83° F in Summer and 45-72° F in winter.  Purchase a return ticket to the Australian Airport at Brisbane.  If this is not possible then Sydney or Melbourne will also suffice and obtain a connecting flight to Brisbane or directly to Sunshine Coast Airport.  Book your accommodation at Noosa hotels or campsites.  Apply for the relevant visa through any Australian Consulate attached to their Embassies in the USA.  American nationals should not have difficulty obtaining a visa.  Connect to Noosa after arrival in Australia, via a flight from Sydney Melbourne or Brisbane airports directly to Sunshine Coast Airport.  If you arrive in Brisbane it is only a 80 mile drive North by car, coach or train. 

            Visit Hastings St beach, at Laguna Bay right in the middle of the Noosa foreshore.  Surfing and swimming is available.  Accommodation is available right on the beachfront.  The beach is patrolled by the Noosa Surf Life Saving Club. Visit the Noosa National park which has walking trails and signs depicting the flora.  A track along the cliff edge of the park leads to the excellent swimming beaches of Tea Tree Bay, Granite Bay, fairy Pools, Hell’s gates, Alexandria Bay, and Sunshine Beach.  Visit Noosa River which is serviced by modern accommodation where there are ample picnic facilities, grass banks and calm water for swimming and boating.  Noosa also has scuba diving clubs with frequent dive trips all over the Sunshine Coast waters. The Australian Navy scuttled the decommissioned HMAS Brisbane just off the Sunshine Coast at Mooloolaba and the site is now part of the National Parks of Australia.  There are regular dive trips to this wreck each week. International standard shopping malls abound in Noosa and Sunshine Coast as well as a boutique shopping style on Hastings St in the middle of Noosa Heads itself.  Hastings St is akin to a miniature Rodeo Drive down under.  For further information see the following website.

http://www.onthebeachnoosa.com.au/

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Realize it’s a different language and all that might entail.. 

There are over 80 dialects within the Philippines, with each dialect being so different that it may as well be considered a different language rather than a dialect. There are completely different words for an object or action from one dialect to another. This can cause miscommunication and misunderstandings. 

These miscommunications can also occur if a native person speaks English. Consider that “English” often isn’t taught in many other countries exactly the same way that we learn it in Europe, Australia or America. Body language also has new meaning. Misunderstandings are common, even in my family.

Consider climate differences. 

Often there are different climates in different parts of the world. Are you really going to be comfortable where the winter temperatures are like summer in Los Angeles, but the air is much more humid? A little more culture shock for you.

Think about local transportation.

Driving patterns and habits can be more foreign than you might imagine.

Although accidents are rare, driving in The Philippines seems haphazard at best. Traffic laws are rarely enforced. 

The most common private vehicle in The Philippines is the small motorcycle. 

Then there’s the public transportation. This is how the vast majority of Filipinos get around.

Even if, like most, you choose to take that public transportation, you might learn that’s quite foreign as well.

For example, in The Philippines there are no taxis except in the largest cities and no local bus lines. For local transportation, you’ll find a tricycle is the norm. 

What? A tricycle? Yes, a tricycle. Remember, we’re talking about a third world country where poverty is pandemic. People cannot afford $ 20 taxi rides here. 

In The Philippines a tricycle is a small, 100 to 150CC motorcycle with a welded-on sidecar for more passengers.

Often times a tricycle driver travels at a speed of about 10 to 20 M.P.H. so as to conserve gasoline and traverse the rough roads without throwing off any of his passengers. 

Many times some of those passengers are riding on the sides and top of the sidecar. There are usually 2 passengers behind the driver on the seat of the motorcycle. The fare to travel about 5 miles is the equivalent of roughly 14 cents American money.

Consider also the difference in Intermediate and Long Distance Transportation. 

You’ll accomplish this type of transportation on a Jeepney, a minivan or a bus if you opt for public land based transportation. 

A Jeepney is a converted 1940’s vintage diesel powered Jeep Troop Carrier, left behind in The Philippines after America defeated Japan in the Second World War. They were made for when the average American male was about 3” to 4” shorter and much slimmer; they are definitely not designed for the comfort of a modern day American or European.

You’ll learn that they can fit up to 10 people to a side of a Jeepney, with the passengers all sitting along the sides on 2 long bench seats facing each other. The seats are usually quite hard with little cushion. The “air conditioning” is nothing more than open windows so you can smell all the fumes from the smoke spewing from vehicles in front of you. There are no emission controls here. 

Then there are the 14 passenger minivans. This is a minivan with a back seat for 5, a middle seat for 3 and a seat behind the driver for 4. This seat behind the driver was obviously designed for 2 or 3 but here they seat 4 in that seat. Two passengers ride beside the driver. No seat belts are worn on any of these modes of transportation. 

Filipinos – and Filipinas – are quite accustomed to overcrowded trikes, Jeepneys and minivans. They are generally much smaller than Americans in body size and weight so fitting themselves inside is not as difficult as it might be for most Americans. The fare for a Jeepney? It’s 52 Filipino pesos, or a little over $ 1 for a 30 mile trip. A van is a little more, but at least the vans offer air conditioned overcrowding.

The full sized buses aren’t much better and are more expensive than the Jeepneys or vans. Like all the other options, buses are also greatly overcrowded. Air conditioned and non-air conditioned buses are an option if you don’t mind paying the extra fare. I don’t know the fare, as I’ve bitten the bullet and used Jeepneys or vans to this point to conserve money.

Foods and Eating Habits are different – much different!

While fresh fruits and vegetables are home grown and quite plentiful, the main staple here in The Philippine Islands is white rice. Although white rice doesn’t offer much in the way of nutritional value, it does make the belly feel full. Even McDonald’s sells much more rice as a side dish in The Philippines than French Fries.

Rice is commonly grown here, while potatoes are a bit more scarce – and expensive.

Understand that the average Filipino or Filipina earns about $ 1,000 to $ 2,000 per year and you’ll begin to understand why they opt for a diet of cheaper foods rather than always the tastiest or most nutritious. When they can afford to eat, they eat what they can buy. Hamburger meat, like an “underprivileged” American might eat, is considered expensive and unattainable for many.

To be blunt, compared to the typical third world resident, there are no underprivileged Americans. 

There’s no welfare safety net in The Philippines. If you’re unemployed, you may starve. 

Regarding eating habits, most Filipinos shovel their food into a spoon with a fork, eating quickly and using both hands. Many of the poorer Filipinos use only their fingers.

Population Density is tough to comprehend, but you must if you really want to define culture shock. This is part of it.

The Philippine Islands is roughly the size of Colorado, but has over 10 times the population. There are hordes of people almost everywhere you go. Pedestrians are common on highways as well as side streets. Just one more part of culture shock.

Think about the physical appearance. 

That’s different, too, if you’re a Westerner. Original native Filipinos were – and still are – actually similar in appearance to the Aborigines of Australia. There are only a few of them left, but they do still exist. They are quite short, usually less than 5 feet tall, with very dark skin, flat noses and very curly or kinky hair. 

Over the centuries, many of them have mingled with Malaysians, Chinese, Spanish and Americans. The Americans occupied The Philippines for years, and the Spanish for centuries before that. The Chinese influence is strong.

You’ll usually find Filipinos (the males) and Filipinas (the females) offer a mix of a Polynesian appearance with a bit of an Asian look. There might also be a Mestiza look among the ones who mixed with the Spanish or Americans. The Mestizas are considered by most Filipinos to be the most beautiful of all.

Thanks to the short stature and the predominance of silky, black hair and almond shaped brown eyes of almost all the natives, Filipinos usually stare at Americans and Europeans out of sheer curiosity. Depending upon the individual, this can cause the foreigner to feel a bit awkward. Another aspect of culture shock in a third world country.

Understand the risk of crime. 

Along with poverty comes gambling, alcohol and drug abuse. If the poverty wasn’t bad enough on its own, the resulting vices mixed with the hunger results in plenty of theft. It’s often not safe to be alone for a foreigner in a third world country, and that’s also true in The Philippines. 

Westerners – particularly Americans – and Australians are all viewed as “rich”. The actual safety depends upon your location and attitude. Arrogance or flamboyance will make enemies and targets. 

Personally, I feel quite comfortable going into the nearest town for an errand during the day, but at night I’ll only go in the company of a family member. That being said, I still feel safer here in The Philippines than in many American cities.

Consider recreation. Unless you enjoy going to the beach or perhaps snorkeling, there really isn’t much to do.

Except in the big cities like Manila or Cebu, there’s very little recreation and few distractions to relieve the anxiety for many foreigners. For those who don’t handle culture shock well, living outside a major city in a third world country like The Philippines can be too difficult to handle. 

Where I am there are no movie houses. There’s one television and one radio station in my small city of around 100,000. Both are broadcast in the Filipino language. If you have enough money, depending upon your location, you might be able to get cable television which offers numerous English language stations.

Consider recreation. Unless you enjoy going to the beach or perhaps snorkeling, there really isn’t much to do.

Except in the big cities like Manila or Cebu, there’s very little recreation and few distractions to relieve the anxiety for many foreigners. For those who don’t handle culture shock well, living outside a major city in a third world country like The Philippines can be too difficult to handle. 

Where I am there are no movie houses. There’s one television and one radio station in my small city of around 100,000. Both are broadcast in the Filipino language. If you have enough money, depending upon your location, you might be able to get cable television which offers numerous English language stations.

Think about health care.

Realize that you might not be covered by your American Health Insurance if you visit The Philippins. Why? Because most insurers consider most if not all the medical facilities outside Manila to be less than adequate. Many medications are simply not available.

Consider religion, too. 

Most Filipinos are simply happy to be alive and to know Christ. This is truly a predominately Christian nation, but a poor one. Although I’ve become accustomed, culture shock for a Westerner really can be overwhelming. See the resources section for more information if you’re considering living in the Philippines.

So do you have a better understanding of what I mean by “culture shock” now? I hope so!

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With Christmas only a few days away, and so tourists are thinking what to do and where to go during the holiday seasons. One thing that you can do is get yourself an Australian holiday visa and spend the season in the country. And you will definitely be surprised that the Christmas holidays are definitely different from what you have probably been used to.

For one, you will likely be surprised to find out that, instead of a white Christmas, you will be in for a hot summer holiday. This is due to the fact that Australia lies in the southern hemisphere, where seasons are reversed compared to to that of the northern countries. Thus, while it is the winter holidays in America, Christmas falls on the first day of summer in the country.

This actually makes for some interesting Christmas activities. Instead of having snowball fights and building snowmen, you will likely spend Christmas at the beach. The season also marks the start of the vacation period for many students in the country, which lasts for six weeks. Having a barbecue grill out in the sun (which is unthinkable for many westerners during this season) is a common staple for many Australians. During the evening, the yearly Carols by Candlelight is a must see for the entire family. Those held in Sydney and Melbourne are the most popular.

And of course, the Christmas season won’t be complete without food. But don’t expect a nice hot bowl of soup and roasted turkey here. Instead, you will likely be treated to a very different Christmas menu. Because Australia is home to many people of different national backgrounds, their dining tables will also feature a wide variety of food. Seafood are a perennial favorite Christmas dinner fare for many Australians, with loads of prawns, fish and scallops. Cold salads are also very good during this time (remember, it’s summer). And of course, meat is also plenty during this time. The barbecue (or barbie, as called by the locals) is, as have been mentioned, also very popular. Here, you will be able to get a taste of kangaroo meat, would would be an interesting Christmas treat.

But there are also plenty of Christmas traditions that Australia shares with the rest of the world. One, is of course, Santa Claus. Here, he is still pretty much the jolly old man that many children know, but with a twist. Santa is sometimes depicted, not in his familiar red garb, but in outdoor gear fitted for the season, though he still wears them on occasion. Giving gifts is also very much a part of the Christmas season. And of course, Australians never forget the true meaning of Christmas, that of the birth of Jesus Christ.

So what are you waiting for? If you want to experience a unique, and yet still Merry, Christmas, pack your bags and be ready for an Australian holiday. Who knows, Santa and his merry kangaroos might be out there to welcome you.

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Australian Weddings in Bali

Australian’s love Bali and the numbers travelling to visit each year is increasing.  Bali is a beautiful country with lush settings and some gorgeous beaches.  It is also a great destination for a holiday or even honeymoon.

Bali has many locations with differing scenery, and all within a day’s drive of each other.  Rice Patties, mountains, beach settings are a few landscapes that Bali’s environment offers. 

If you are like many Australian’s, you may have visited Bali once or been back on numerous occasions.  You may have seen a beautiful hotel; beach or county setting that has sparked your interest, and may be a perfect location for your wedding ceremony.  If you have never been to Bali before, a little research will provide plenty of information to help you with your wedding plans.  Look up locations, accommodation, catering, and information essential for a legal wedding.

Weddings in Bali differ from Australian weddings, with multiple steps required to ensure your marriage will be legalised when you return from your honeymoon.  You will be required to visit the Australian Consulate in Bali and make an application at the Consulate for a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage.  This will take care of the legalities, and your wedding planner can look after the ceremony.

Nusa Dua, Jimbaran Bay, Lake Bratan, Tanah Lot, Ulu Watu all offer beautiful scenery for a romantic wedding ceremony.  You may like to see what accommodation and other facilities are available for you and your guests.  Venues can range from hotels to gardens to a beach setting.  Finding a location with easy access to celebrations and accommodation will make life so simple on your wedding day.

Catering in Bali can be exciting, decorative and very tasty, not to mention attention to detail with service.  Bali has some of the best local ingredients, and can source meats, cheese and food items from all over the world.

Depending on the venue, you may need to find a mobile caterer.  A little research will provide you with a well known Bali Catering Company, who will help you with all your menus.

Marriage in Bali is a celebration, and can offer great value for money for you and your guests.

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Whilst Sydney and Melbourne seem the obvious choice for many, there are other Australian cities that might be perfect to incorporate into your Australian holiday.

At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that all Australian cities are the same – the same skyscrapers and the same grid system. But, really they are incredibly different.

You have to visit Sydney. It’s my home town so I am slightly biased! The harbour area with the Opera House, Bridge and the Rocks are hard to beat. To get the best view though, get on the ferry to Manly and gaze back at the harbour. It’s not all about the views though. You can visit interesting suburbs, sunbathe on its glorious beaches and shop in the boutique shops of Paddington.

Whilst Melbourne doesn’t have that dramatic harbour, it does have so much to offer. The vibe here is so different from Sydney.

It’s much more European and Bohemian with its dark and sultry bars and coffee shops. There are still some impressive views, particularly from the river and exploring the lanes that run between the big skyscrapers is fun – you never know what you will discover round the next corner. Some argue the food is better than Sydney. I’m not sure I totally agree but it certainly is cheaper.

Into wine? Then head to Adelaide where you can discover three great wine regions in under an hour from the city centre. The most well known is the Barossa Valley and it’s famous for its big reds like Shiraz. If I can give you one piece of advice, it would be to stay in Glenelg which is just outside the city. It’s a lovely seaside town with lots going on.

If you want to travel the road less traveled then head west to Perth in Western Australia.

A great city with easy access to the Margaret River, another great wine region. It can get a little quiet in the city once the workers have headed home. So, why not stay in Fremantle instead. There is plenty to do and see and it’s a great base from which to explore nearby Perth and its beautiful beaches. Cottesloe Beach is my favourite.

Fancy a bit of Aboriginal Culture? Then head north to Darwin where you will find it in abundance. Visit in the dry season, between May and October, to get the most out of this area. Outside of these months it can be way too hot and very rainy. The best places to head to are Kakadu National Park and the Tiwi Islands, both a drive from Darwin.

If a road trip is what you are after than take the trip from Sydney up to Noosa on the East Coast Road via Brisbane. The gateway to some spectacular places such as the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, Brisbane itself offers every traveler something special.

Whichever you choose, you won’t be disappointed with any of the Australian Cities.

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Rolf Heimann(born 9 May 1940) is an Australian author, cartoonist and illustrator. Heimann was born in Dresden, Germany, fled to the West in 1955 and migrated to Australia in 1959.

He is the author of over forty books, including novels, travel books, cartoon collections, but mainly of children’s books, which have been translated into German, Danish, Spanish, and Chinese and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

In 1974 Heimann skippered La Flor (renamed Greenpeace IV for the voyage) from Melbourne, Australia, to Mururoa via New Zealand but arrived after the final nuclear test for the year.
Heimann has been cartooning since the mid-seventies and is a member of the Australian Black and White (cartoonists) Association. He has contributed cartoons to numerous publications in Australia and overseas. Among his most popular works are the ‘Eagle Eyes’ series of books published in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

He was named Australian Cartoonist of the Year at the 19th annual Stan Cross Awards in 2003, for cartooning excellence.
Heimann is married, with two children, and has lived in Melbourne, Australia, said Wikipedia.

On 16th August 2008, Rolf Heimann and his wife (Lila) came by Museum Kartun Indonesia Bali for more than five hours. Heimann met and discussed with some of Indonesia Cartoonists such as: Pramono, GM Sudarta, and Priyanto S, also the owner of the museum, Istio Adi.

Q: Can you tell us about your background?

A: My name is Rolf Heimann. Currently I’m a vice president of Australian Cartoonist Association. I’ve been working for 12 years, and during the time I’ve tried to establish board connection with foreign countries because the fact is the Australian is quite isolated. In some ways they’re ethnocentric. The cartoonists in Australia look to England, look to America, and they quite acknowledge about the artwork, lots of art in foreign countries like Indonesia. This isolation could’ve stopped. And I noted many Australian cartoonists think the same because there are lots of young people travels to see what’s happening not only in Indonesia, but in China, Japan, everywhere. So Australia can come out of its cocoon, I hope. I must have word both Germany. I come to Australia 30-40 years ago as a young migrant. Since I did not speak English, but I came to Australia. I worked in a railway, I worked on factories, worked in food baking, and all the time I used to draw and write. And after many years I start sending in my cartoon to newspapers which for many times they’ve sent it back, until slowly I became accepted. And I’ve been cartooning for the last 30 years for some of the big papers, and other magazines. And I also write illustrated books, many children books. That’s my income. But I still contribute also political cartoon to sport magazine. That’s my background.

Q: What do you think about Museum Kartun Indonesia Bali?

A: It was a wonderful surprise to see this Museum because I know how hard it is to establish what we have try in Australia, to establish the Museum if we’re not in to. It’s a tribute to people who organize the building, the exhibition, also to all of the cartoonist in Indonesia who contribute their work. I think it’s about its effort. And I will promise I will set all my Australian friends when they come to Bali to drop in to this Museum.

Q: What do you think about Indonesian cartoon?

A: Again, I’ve been falling for some years to cartoon in Indonesia. And I found it’s getting better and better. I can only wish that many Australian have similar progress in Australia.

Q: Do you have any plan to collaborate Australian and Indonesian cartoonists?

A: Yes. Maybe it becomes the beginning of a cooperation. Actually we’ve already had that cooperation with Indonesian cartoonists. Last year we had a joined exhibition within the framework of the Sanur Festival. We had Australian cartoonists and Indonesian cartoonists contribute their work on the theme of beaches, which was very successful. And this year we had an exhibition on a theme of environment, “Going Green”. And this time I believe about 40 countries contribute. It shows how much interested they are internationally to cooperate with Indonesia. And in the future, this cooperation is sure to grow. Good things are going to happen.

Q: Do you think that cartoon in Indonesia has been equal with cartoon in America or Europe?

A: For sure. Indonesian cartoon is one of the best cartoons in the world. Truly. I notice they are totally up to date, technically, by using computer, facilities. That’s a good technique, that’s for sure.

Q: Does Museum Kartun Indonesia Bali give you an inspiration to do something in your country?

A: Exactly. Because this is what we want to do in Australia, and we have not been able to find money or find the right company that can support us, and it needs other management, or lots of people who contribute something. I know it’s gonna happen in Australia too. And if some people either check it out about what is it in a museum, every cartoonists in Australia will say “This is exactly what we must have do”. And one day we’re gonna get.
Q: Do you think that become only a cartoonist can get enough earnings for living?

A: I don’t think cartoonists can rich. There are some in America who are working in comic strips make lots of money. But cartoonist of my kind will never be rich. And I don’t think they want to be. I think they enjoy at work, they would not do anything else if you pay them.

Q: So the cartoonists in Australia mostly have another job besides cartooning?

A: (Yes, many cartoonists in Australia have another job, sometimes related to this industry like in design, graphic design, or work in advertising, and some who are working in totally different field. One of my country’s friends is a policeman. He worked as a police and he became a cartoonist because he had to draw faces according to the description of the lady who might be robbed. And she had to say “the man with the long nose, and the big beard”, so he drew some, and he’s as policeman he became a cartoonist because he drew criminals.
We have many different backgrounds. We have also a musician, he plays music. We have another one who’s lawyer, we have another one who’s a doctor. But the big papers like Melbourne Herald, Sunday Morning Herald, they all may have a 3 or 4 cartoonists who make their living by contribute to these papers. And for the rest, cartoonists have other job.

Q: Can cartoon add something to someone who sees it, like giving information and change someone’s view?

A: I think that’s actually the right essence of cartoon, that the cartoon gives a message. When you see a beautiful picture or ethnic picture, it’s purely esthetic and just looks good. Whereas cartoon by its nature gives message, and informed about something which can be something permanent usually it’s something political and many political cartoon have a hard time because they make criticism.

Q: Last question… What is your hope to Museum Kartun Indonesia Bali?

A: I hope this Museum will be a permanent one. I noted in other countries, who have tried to establish a museum, after 2 or 3 years it became distinguish If this Museum last 200 years, I’ll be happy. (ro/aa/gms/prm/pris/ist/dms)

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Imagined yourself in a warm places, sun-bathing under the rays of the sun, away from chaos and eventful happening in the city, far from traffic and commotion on the road and safe from your daily work and your regular activities. Isn’t it wonderful? Especially when you’re in the hottest spot everybody were dreaming of?

You see, if you live in North America, especially Canada where snows and weather never seems to slow down, it is undeniable that many people will escape the winter and go to the places where the sun is always showing its energy and provide the needs of people to feel warm. Most people who love the aura of the sun, hit the wildest tourist spot destinations. If you are planning for your next vacation get-away, why not consider the most talk hottest beaches in the whole world that will surely entertain your fantasy away?

1. Ipanema Beach in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

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It is widely known by the song “The Girl from Ipanema”, a worldwide hit in the mid-1960′s that won a Grammy for Record of the Year in 1965. Ipanema word, literally means “bad water”, which fisherman described, bad for fishing. However, this world class beach is popular for sunbathing, golfing, surfing and other water activities.

Several reasons to loved Ipanema Beach:

Ideal for surfing, sunbathing and golfing.
Admirable light beige color and texture of the sand.
Inhabited with nice and sensual people.

It is considered as one of the sexiest beach around the world because most girls will wear tiny bikinis.  Other will wear the so called  “Dental Floss Bikini” (wedgy) . Even a pregnant woman is proudly wearing her bikini in Ipanema Beach.

Well, why not?

2. Swanbourne Beach Perth Australia.

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Have you ever walk  naked publicly without anybody judging you? Come visit the Swanbourned beach in Australia. It’s basically attracts people who wanted to lay bare everything, nothing to wear and wholeheartedly swim and sunbathe without anyone judging them. Of course, paparazzi are not allowed. Swanbourne Beach becomes an official nude beach in Perth Western Australia. Who wants to get nude?

Swanbourne Beach is a family beach, located just 20 minutes from Perth. Most people visited the Swanbourne Beach because of its oceanic beach color, sparkling blue water and the giant white sand dunes. It is a popular location for the yearly Australian nude beah Olympics. If you like tug-o-war game, pulling the rope naked with your naked teammates, then visit the Swanbourned Beach. Nude volleyball game is also featured. The three legged races will absolutely entertain the nude audience. Of course, if you will visit there, you can join the “best bum” competition.

3. Barcelo Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana.

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It is known as crystal clear, blue water with a powder white sand. You can seldom find a stone or shell on the sand. It is perfect to walk barefoot all day long, a finest and smoothest sand your feet will step on. Bavaro beach is a wonderful vacation get-away. It is completely clean, naturally perfect and protected.

If you want to escape from the busy city? Bavaro beach is a great place to relax and at peace. A perfect and wonderful place for family getaway.

4. Koh Samet in Thailand

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An exotic place, which is located just 200 kilometers from Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand, known as a safe anchorage for sailors since at least 13th century.  A beautiful, quieter island and can be access easily from Bangkok. It is famous for its white sand, exotic coral and crystal clear waters.

Koh Samet is quieter place to visit and considered as the driest archipelago in Thailand. It has a relaxed atmosphere, it combines the allure of a tropical paradise, abundant with marine resources.

Koh Samet is popular for its white beaches. There are 14 unruffled beaches around the island. It doesn’t have a strong current, it is seldom visited by monsoon, being located off the east coast. The friendly beaches is famous for its colorful coral reefs. Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are top aquatic sports you can do in the beach.

5. Boracay Beach Philippines

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It is best known as the Island Paradise of the Philippines, situated in Aklan province, 315 km (200 miles) south of Manila and located one km north-west of Panay in Visayas island region of the Philippines.  It is 7 km long, dog bone shaped and 1 km width at its narrowest point. It’s total land area is 10.32 sq. km. It is belongs to Western Visayas island group of the Philippines.

Sailing, wind surfing, snorkeling, diving and jet skiing are popular activities and widely available in the island. One of the best thing you may experience in visiting Boracay is the breathtaking view of the sunset. It absolutely make your soul calm and at peace once you witness the sunset in Boracay.

Boracay beach is widely known as the best beach among the Filipinos as it has the finest, whitest to its purest sand among the beaches. The best area where white sand beach is located 4 km. away, also known as the Long Beach is situated at the heart of West Coast between the villages of Balabag and Angol. It has a shallow water, fine sand and brighter aura in the archipelago.

What are you waiting for? The next time you want to book a flight, consider these hottest beaches and slice of heaven paradise.

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