In response to the recent, dramatic escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza (read this excellent on-the-ground account by Ashraf Khalil and Rushdi Abou Alouf reporting for the LA Times), Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed has ordered that New Year's Eve celebrations be cancelled in Dubai in solidarity with the Palestinians (read about it here on The National and IHT). I love the way the leaders there can just do that. And while I pity the hotel managers, events coordinators and PRs who will be tearing their hair out as they call off glitzy parties, cancel just-flown-in DJs, tell the Beckhams they'll have to have a quiet night in with the Cruises at their Atlantis suite on The Palm (perhaps they can invite Shakira over?), and pray those 200 dozen oysters haven't been shucked yet (because in Dubai every hotel has a huge glamorous party - or three), the sombre tone the Sheikh wants to set will probably be welcomed by most Emiratis, much of the large Arab population, and the substantial number of Palestinians living in the UAE. Many would have been feeling guilty about celebrating tonight; I was feeling sorry for those who had to work. The Palestinian conflict is another thing I've been mulling over and, being in Australia, feeling a little helpless about. If I was in the UAE everybody would be discussing the crisis endlessly, on a daily basis, throughout the day. I worked in education in the UAE for many years, and I know from experience that the students would have been raising money for Red Crescent to send medical supplies, food, clothes, and so on. In Australia, everybody is focused on the holidays and the cricket, shark attacks, Paris Hilton, and best fireworks-viewing spots dominate the media. Nobody has reported yet on Israel posting video footage of their air strikes on YouTube. Air strikes in which over 370 Palestinians have been killed, including 40 children, and another 1,720 people have been wounded. I don't know about you, but I think that's pretty sick. Here, it seems as if for Australia the rest of the world doesn't exist. As much as I love my country, it's a reminder of why I don't live here. I want to know what's going on. I want to feel part of the global community. And that its problems are also mine.

Pictured? In keeping with the tone, an acacia blossoming after the rain last month in Alice Springs, an image of hope from the road.

We made it back to Perth, Australia, in the nick of time on Christmas Eve, so we could spend Christmas with my family - my Mum, sister and her husband and children. On Christmas morning we watched the kids open their "hundreds" (quoting my cute little niece here) of presents. Combined with delight at seeing their excited little faces, however, I couldn't help feeling pangs of... what was it... guilt... sadness... regret even? (perhaps all three), that there were so many other children out there in the world who weren't receiving gifts, who didn't have one toy let alone hundreds, who had nothing to celebrate, and who probably didn't even have a meal that day. Later that afternoon we took the kids to their neighborhood park and while the guys played football with the boys, I built sandcastles in the sandpit with my niece while my Mum watched. While it was fun, I couldn't help but think that we could be somewhere else... as we've been driving around Australia we've been listening to rural ABC radio whenever we've had reception. I recalled the calls from various charity representatives in Australia asking listeners to donate food packages and kids toys to give to the poor and homeless. They were desperate this year as people had given less than usual due to the economic climate and their own precarious circumstances. On another program, listeners phoned in to chat about how they would spend Christmas Day. Most rattled off the usual Christmas plans - present opening with the kids in the morning, roast lunch with the in-laws, Turkey feast for dinner, a seafood barbecue by the beach with friends, and so on. However, two callers caught my attention. One was a woman who said her family - and a large family at that - were doing what they did every Christmas and spending the day serving people at a soup kitchen which was hosting a charity lunch for the homeless. They were doing something for people who no longer had a family, people who didn't have a home. Another woman, a 92 year old (yep, that's no typo), was doing what she did every year (indeed she donated her time once a week), and was going down to the "old people's home" to spend time with people who obviously weren't as fit and healthy as she was. It occurred to me I could be doing more. There are a couple of ideas for me there as to how we could spend our next Christmas. (And the makings of a New Year's resolution or two.) But I'm wondering what else we could be doing... any ideas?

Tobago has over 200 bird species on just 116 square miles of land. The island has several great vantage points for bird watching including the Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve and Little Tobago Island, a small offshore island located just off the village of Speyside. Tobago is home to over 6000 species of plants and animals, including one of the highest densities of bird species in the world, on just 116 square miles of land.

Aside from its fantastic birds, Tobago is surrounded by rich and colorful reefs with 300 species of South Atlantic coral and more than 600 species of fish. The island is also internationally recognized for its drift dives. Tobago is also home to the Nylon Pool, a warm shallow area in the middle of the Buccoo Reef.

Tobago's rich culture is as diverse as the many countries that fought to control the island. The heritage of the enslaved Africans has also heavily influenced the island's culture. Many of the folktales, superstitions, art, music and traditional dances reflect the island's European and African roots. These are celebrated annually during the Tobago Heritage Festival, which runs from early July to August. Fishing, the mainstay of many of the island's inhabitants, is celebrated with parties, sports and other events on St Peter's Day.

Fought over by the Spanish, British, Dutch, Courlanders, French and even the Americans, Tobago boasts a rich and varied history. The various forts and historical sites that dot the island are testament to the island's former colonial masters and diverse history.

Tobago has many beautiful beaches; some are very secluded others are equipped with life guards, concessionaires and modern facilities. Some beaches boast white sands, shallow bays and calm blue waters, others have shallow reefs for snorkeling and some are more exposed to ocean swells.

The village of Buccoo, Tobago, can be described as the goat and crab racing capital of the world. During the Easter holidays this little village draws crowds of curious onlookers as specially trained goats sprint towards the finish line followed by jockeys clutching long ropes. In the crab race, jockeys have no easier task as they attempt to prod the stubborn crustaceans towards the finish line. But there is no glory for the winning crabs, just a place in a pot of spicy curry sauce.

A premiere eco-tourism destination. Tobago has won several prestigious eco awards including the World Travel Awards "Best Eco Destination in the World" and the Caribbean Travel Awards Committee "#1 Eco-Destination in the Caribbean".

My In Box has been inundated with belated Christmas messages these past couple of days, so like my slack, um, I mean busy friends, I'm going to say better late than never and I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have a magic New Year. I'd like to be able to blame my tardiness on the weather. Because we have had horrendously bad weather wherever we've been in Australia. From the top end of the country to the southernmost tip of the mainland. It's to blame for our itinerary being so completely out of whack. Along with a mishap or two - like getting caught in flash foods, which you can read about at Terry's blog Wide angles, wine and wanderlust, and which I'll write about more soon. I could also argue the generally pathetic communications here is at fault, which in my case is very easy as I've continually experienced them all, from mac.com sending messages into cyberspace (or outerspace it seems) to excruciating slow connection speeds, to cell phones that don't work outside cities and towns. And does anyone actually use those 'internet kiosks'?! Australia's telecommunications system is archaic. But I guess in Turkey the were delivering packages to the wrong addresses, in Dubai my replacement credit cards are sent to places I haven't lived or worked in years, and the USA, well they still post people cheques (checks, to my American readers), yep, on paper... We've experienced them all this year. But, no, in this case, we really were too busy to send Christmas cards, e-cards, even email. As you'll notice from my lack of posting in December and November, I haven't had much time for blogging, or much time for anything other than travelling. We've been doing research and shooting photos in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia, rising at dawn most days, spending all day on the road, driving hundreds of kilometres a day (and then some), eating dinner, then downloading images and re-charging batteries etc in preparation for it all to begin again the next day. It's been tough. We've spent a lot of time in the outback, on remote red-dust roads and corrugated bush tracks, driving through immense desolate landscapes for hours without seeing another person. We've only stopped to take photos, fill the fuel tank, drink tea from the thermos, make some lunch, and enjoy the silence. Because for much of the trip it's just between us and... well... the lizards, the kangaroos, some emus, lots of birds of prey, brumbies (wild horses), ferry donkeys, a dingo or two, oh, and some pretty cute koalas. I hope you'll all forgive me.

Grand Turk is the capital island of the Turks and Caicos, its historical heartbeat, and home to a state of the art luxury cruise ship center. It is here that Christopher Columbus first made landfall on his initial voyage to the New World in 1492. Almost 500 years later, US astronaut John Glenn "discovered" Grand Turk himself, after he became the first American man to orbit the earth.

Cockburn Town is the center piece of the island with a wonderful selection of historical buildings and a rustic charm that is unforgettable. It has the second largest population of around 3,720 people. Grand Turk is one of the main historical points of Turks and Caicos. You will find many Colonial style buildings and ruins, along with The Turks and Caicos National Museum.

One of Grand Turk's main attractions is diving. With its many dive operators it can cater to novice snorkelers to experienced divers. There is an outstanding protected coral reef, which drops to 8,000 feet and is close enough to shore for beach dives. There are several accommodations as well as casual restaurants which feature local entertainment. During whale watching season visitors can watch the humpback whales pass from Grand Turk's shores as well as from the surface of the water.

The Grand Turk Cruise Center consists of a 3000-foot pier, the welcome facility and the recreational area. The pier has been built to accommodate two super post-Panamax class vessels simultaneously, including Queen Mary 2 and other large post- Panamex class vessels.

On an area of approximately 14 acres, a recreational center includes a swimming pool, 1,000 feet of beachfront (no water sports offered), cabanas (available for rent through the shore excursion office on board or at the facility), shops and the world's largest Margaritaville, providing food, beverages and Jimmy Buffett memorabilia.

The Welcome Center has been designed based on Grand Turk/Bermudian architecture, influenced by the Bermudian influx into the salt industry thriving in the 17th and 18th centuries and including chimneys considered a "must" by the newcomers from the colder Bermudian for the cold winter months.

Cockburn Town is the administrative capital and the historic and cultural center of the islands. It is strongly reputed to be the landfall island of Columbus during his discovery of the New World in 1492. The town itself is well suited for a walking tours. Duke and Font Streets are lined with historic 18th and 19th century landmarks that reflect the Bermudan style architecture of the salt era. Two of these buildings are now popular inns, another is the governor's residence,as well as other government offices, the public library, churches, private residences and fraternities.

At the Turks and Caicos National Museum you will find a central exhibit that tells the story of the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European shipwreck discovered in the Western Hemisphere (dated around 1505). It also discloses the rich cultural and natural diversity of the islands. Other historic sites include the Lighthouse, Fire Hill and the Hawks Nest Anchorage.

The most popular excursion just off Grand Turk is Gibbs Cay where visitors can enjoy an uninhabited island, a picnic on the beach and a chance to feed the beautiful stingrays who swim right up to shore.

One of the most admired and hidden gems of Kingston is the uninhabited island Lime Cay which has clear waters and white sand beaches. Located just off the coast of the famous pirate town Port Royal, you can reach there by a short boat ride from Morgan’s Harbor at Port Royal. It is popular place with Jamaican yachtsmen and many locals who visit to relax and feel the ambiance of nature's bounty.

There is no formal transportation to get there unless you have your own boat or get a fisherman to take you there like many of the locals do. Port Royal is now a fishing village so you will find quite a few fishermen on shore returning from their early morning fishing trip. You can bargain price them. There are organized trips though the Morgan’s Harbour Hotel in Port Royal.

This cay was used in the famous the scene in the Jamaican movie Harder They Come where Rhygin the robber was killed by the police. It is a great place for snorkeling and you may even find some old 18 & 19-century trinkets or even treasure. Port Royal was hit by an earthquake the destroyed most of the city and caused it to submerge. As many of you know the city was a base for many of the worlds most famous pirates and they kept treasure there.

The beaches surrounding Lime Cay are inviting. During mid week it is best as there is hardly anyone around. There is plenty of shade and even picnic benches. Bring the suntan lotion and pretend you are on you own little island. There are a few other cays nearby that may also be worth visiting if want to experience the feeling of being on an island alone.

While in Port Royal don't forget to take a tour of what was once the "the wickedest city in the world". It is a shadow of its former self however there are some landmarks that still stand as a reminder like the famous Giddy House landmark.

Its rich unique history and its fantastic sceneries made Lime Cay a gem in the face of the globe.

Experience what makes Curaçao unique and exquisite! Beaches and spectacular diving, stunning architecture, activities and adventures for every interest, plus a multi-cultural diversity, intriguing music, art and cuisine are just few of Curacao's bests.

Located in the tropics, just 12° north of the Equator, Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round. The average temperature is about 27° C (in the mid 80s F). Cooling trade winds blow constantly from the east, picking up in the spring months. The rainy season, which is between October and February, is usually marked by short, occasional showers, mostly at night, and continued sunny weather during the day.

Curaçao is a perfect place for diving, but as you will find, our island has so much more to offer. Divers and snorkelers never seem to be able to stop talking about the beauty of Curacao's underwater world. There are dozens of undiscovered adventures to be enjoyed. Ranging from practicing water sports to visiting 17th century architecture sites, from enjoying tennis to enjoying world-class cuisine, from playing golf in our sunny climate to visiting high-standard casinos. So if you are looking for more than just a dive vacation, Curaçao has something out-of-the-ordinary for everybody.

This island offers a great variety of sports activities, for all ages and tastes. From scuba diving, mountain biking and windsurfing for the daring ones, to more relaxed but still very exciting activities such as jeep safaris, sea kayaking and horseback riding.

Curaçao has over 35 beaches with a remarkable variety. Whether you are a sun-loving vacationer or a resident enjoying a day off, you can choose between intimate rocky coves surrounded by massive cliffs or long sandy beaches, either secluded by nature or bustling with activities. The one thing they all share is crystal clear turquoise water and picture-perfect weather.

Curaçao has a modern international airport, and the island is served by a number of airlines. Connections can be made to any part of the world. The Curaçao International Airport boasts the longest runway in the Caribbean at 3,410 meters in length and 60 meters in width. The runway is capable of handling almost any type of aircraft including jumbo jets.

So what are staring at? Relax and chill to Curacao's extraordinary landmarks and fun-filled sceneries!

St Lucia lies at latitude 13 54’ north of the Equator and 60 50’ west. One of the Windward Islands, it is located in the middle of the Eastern Caribbean chain of islands and is approximately 21 miles south of Martinique and 90 miles northwest of Barbados. Castries (population 50,000) is the island’s capital and is situated North-west of the island.

Language

The main language in Saint Lucia is English although many St. Lucian's also speak French and Spanish. Kwéyòl, St Lucia's second language, is widely spoken by the St. Lucian people including all walks of life such as doctors, bankers, government ministers and the man on the street. Kwéyòl is not just a patois or broken French, but a language in its own right, with its own rules of grammar and syntax. The language is being preserved by its everyday use in day-to-day affairs and by special radio programmers, this manifests nationalism in terms of their use of their own language, and news read entirely in Kwéyòl.

Physical Characteristics

The island is 238 sq. miles (616 sq. km), 27 miles long, 14 miles wide with a combination of high mountains, forests, low lying lands and beaches. A central mountain range runs the length of the island, with peaks ranging between 1000 and 3145 feet. Forests dominate the mountains, while jasmine, scarlet chenille and wild orchids provide splashes of colour to the lush green slopes. The two towering volcanic cones on the southwest coast, Gros Piton (797m) and Petit Piton (750m) are one of the Caribbean’s most famous landmarks. The volcanic origin of the island provides visitors with an opportunity to visit a “drive-in volcano” and take a dip in the reputedly therapeutic Sulphur springs.

Climate

The climate on island is tropical with temperatures ranging from 70 – 90 Fahrenheit. The rainy season is from June to November and the drier period between December and May. Average rainfall is between 160-360cm depending on altitude.

Population

Currently estimated at 150,000 with a workforce of about 65,000. Annual population growth rate is approximately 2%. English is the official language of St Lucia however, a French-based patois is widely spoken.

See St. Lucia and enjoy its diverse culture and wide arena of breath-taking tourist destination!

Little Cayman is the smallest and least developed of the three Cayman Islands, located 87 miles northeast of Grand Cayman, five miles west of Cayman Brac, 480 miles from Miami and 90 miles south of Havana.

First discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503 and rarely visited (except for the occasional pirate) until recent times, Little Cayman is now a favorite destination of modern-day explorers, photographers, naturalists and, of course, divers. The moment you arrive, you'll understand why.

The island itself - just 10 miles long and 1 mile wide - is blessed with 22 miles of spectacular coastline and, just offshore, incredible coral reefs teeming with over 150 kinds of coral and more than 500 species of fish.

The island offers one of the most pristine underwater sites in the world, is part of a unique ocean reef. Rated as the best diving in the Caribbean by National Geographic photographer David Doubilet and underwater cinematographer Stan Waterman, the island's natural beauty has been protected for future generations with its designation as a Marine Park.

Little Cayman's secluded south area offers the following:

• Dive the World Famous Bloody Bay Wall with our own Conch Club Divers

• Snorkel in the shallow of our reef protected sounds

• Relax in a lounge chair on our pristine beach dotted with coconut trees

• Float in one of our two fresh-water pools

• Read a book in a shaded hammock

Little Cayman also has the newest and most prestigious accommodation available. The Club is an elegant collection of eight luxury condominiums. Each unit offers three-bedroom and three bathroom opulence unequaled on the island, and sets a new standard in luxury living. The attention to detail is evident throughout the units, from air conditioning to the ceramic tile flooring, each unit has been decorated with luxury in mind. Kitchens include a built-in dishwasher, microwave, range and oven. Beautiful cabinetry is stocked with top-quality dishes, cutlery and cooking supplies - - everything you need to make your stay exquisite.

On site you'll find a freshwater pool and Jacuzzi tub. As a guest of The Club you are also welcome to enjoy the many amenities of The Club at Little Cayman, such as concierge services, conference and banquet facilities. There's also a gift shop, boutique, restaurant, bar, spa and fitness center, as well as a fully-equipped dive shop and photo/center.

Make your visit to Little Cayman extra special, indulge yourself in the ultimate in comfort and splendor.

Antigua & Barbuda is one of the Caribbean's must-see destination. The island had warm, steady winds, a complex coastline of safe harbors, and a protective, nearly unbroken wall of coral reef. It would make a perfect place to hide a fleet. And so in 1784 the legendary Admiral Horatio Nelson sailed to Antigua and established Great Britain's most important Caribbean base. Little did he know that over 200 years later the same unique characteristics that attracted the Royal Navy would transform Antigua and Barbuda in one of the Caribbean's premier tourist destinations.

The expansive, winding coastline that made Antigua difficult for outsiders to navigate is where today's trekkers encounter a tremendous wealth of secluded, powdery soft beaches. The coral reefs, once the bane of marauding enemy ships, now attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world. And the fascinating little island of Barbuda, once a scavenger's paradise because so many ships wrecked on its reefs, is now home to one of the region's most significant bird sanctuaries.

Location:

Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda are located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. To the south are the islands of Montserrat and Guadaloupe, and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin.

Size:

Antigua, the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. Its highest point is Boggy Peak (1319 ft.), located in the southwestern corner of the island. Barbuda, a flat coral island with an area of only 68 square miles, lies approximately 30 miles due north. The nation also includes the tiny (0.6 square mile) uninhabited island of Redonda, now a nature preserve. The current population for the nation is approximately 68,000 and its capital is St. John's on Antigua.

Climate:

Temperatures generally range from the mid-seventies in the winter to the mid-eighties in the summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, and the northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September. Low humidity year-round.

The island is well developed, and there are internationally known hotels offering world-class accommodation. Time-shares are available, and many of the smaller local hotels and private villas which dot the island have space available if booked in advance. The southern and western coasts of Barbados are popular, with the calm light blue Atlantic Ocean and their fine white and pinkish sandy beaches. Along the island's east coast the Atlantic Ocean side are tumbling waves which are perfect for light surfing, but a little bit risky due to under-tow currents.

Barbados situated just east of the Caribbean Sea, is an independent Continental Island-nation in the western Atlantic Ocean. Located at roughly 13° North of the equator and 59° West of the prime meridian, it is considered a part of the Lesser Antilles. Its closest island neighbors are Saint Vincent & the Grenadines and Saint Lucia to the west.

The geological composition of Barbados is thought to be of non-volcanic origin and is predominantly composed of limestone-coral formed by subduction of the South American plate colliding with the Caribbean plate. The island's climate is tropical, with constant trade winds off the Atlantic Ocean serving to keep temperatures mild. Some less developed areas of the country contain tropical woodland and mangroves. Other parts of the interior which contribute to the agriculture industry are dotted with large sugarcane estates and wide, gently sloping pastures, with panoramic views down to the coast also.

Shopping districts are popular in Barbados, with ample duty-free shopping. There is also a festive night-life in mainly tourist areas such as the Saint Lawrence Gap. Other attractions include wildlife reserves, jewelery stores, scuba diving, helicopter rides, golf, festivals, sightseeing, cave exploration, exotic drinks and fine clothes shopping.

Beef Island is an island in the British Virgin Islands that is located to the east of Tortola, and the two islands are connected by the Queen Elizabeth Bridge. Beef Island is the site of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (IATA code EIS), the main commercial airport that serves Tortola and the rest of the British Virgin Islands.

Trellis Bay is a short walk east of the airport. Trellis Bay is a small town (market, restaurant, coffee shop, local crafts) and beach. Long Bay is west of the airport.

At the farthest southeast end of Trellis Bay, in the vicinity of the Beef Island Guest House & de Loose Mongoose, there's a good snorkeling spot with patches of coral and a lot of sea grass.

There' s little or no boat traffic here, making it much safer for snorkelers. Sea tortoises and rays can be seen, amongst other critters that inhabit the sea grass areas.

You could see everything from Aragorn's own metal sculptures to other artists' works such as handmade baskets & pottery, hand-printed t-shirts, and even lovely small art prints if you can't afford the larger originals at Beef Island. And a lot more of one's interest.

You can also take lessons in windsurfing at Trellis Bay. Trellis Bay is fun for people-watching, windsurfer watching, and just absorbing a bit of the local color. Artists have their studios strung along the bay, with various fun little cafes that feature local foods in between and a cybercafe for Internet junkies. Making it a fun stay at Beef Island. This place is one of Virgin Islands' finest at is marking its name in the globe as one of the most visited places in the face of the Caribbean.

So what now? Pack your things now and experience “Beef”...

Anguilla is a tiny island with a big reputation. With a population of some 12,000, Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, 16 miles long, and 3 miles at her widest point. Boasting 33 white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, a contemporary international style, extraordinary vistas, world-class accommodations and mouth-watering cuisine, Anguilla is the culmination of your search for the idyllic tropical escape.This island is a retreat for couples, families and singles, offering accommodations for the most discerning traveler.

And a plethora of choices await you, like visiting art galleries, touring historic sites and museums, horseback riding, dancing to island beats, excursions to our undersea world, sailing and snorkeling, or quiet days basking in the sun and enjoying the simple pleasure of sunset strolls.

International air service into Puerto Rico, St. Marten and Antigua makes getting to Anguilla easy. Entry requirements differ by country of origin but a valid passport is preferred. Their language is English, their currency the Eastern Caribbean dollar. And, along with their first rate tourism product, this place is an exceptional location for business and commerce.

Anguilla is inviting, intriguing and truly incomparable. They value their visitors as much as their visitors value the time they spend on Anguilla island. As a community, they proudly share their traditions, be it festivals or our national sport, boat racing, but best of all, they share the warmth and friendliness of their people.

Location

Anguilla is located in the Caribbean Sea, the northern most island in the Leeward Island chain. Nearest neigbour to the south is St. Martin/Sint Maarten. Average year round temperature is 80 degrees. Maps of Anguilla in the world, the Caribbean and local maps including villages. Anguilla is located in the western hemisphere in the tropic of Cancer.